Radiation Safety and Measurement

Abstract

Scientific knowledge has been considerably advanced by the use of biochemical molecules which incorporate radioisotopes at specific sites. This unit provides an overview of the use of radioisotopes in the biochemical laboratory. It begins with a discussion of the principles of radioactivity in order to provide the reader/user with knowledge on which to base a common sense approach to the safe use of isotopes. The characteristics of isotopes most commonly used in a biochemical laboratory are then detailed, as well as the safety precautions and monitoring methods peculiar to each one. Detection and imaging methods used in experimental analysis are reviewed. Finally, an outline of an orderly, proper response to a spill of radioactive material is presented. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.