G Ratel

Evaluation of the uncertainty of the degree of equivalence

Some formulae used for evaluation of the uncertainties of the degree of equivalence between laboratories participating in an international comparison of activity measurement are presented. Two approaches are considered using two different estimators for the key comparison reference value: the arithmetic mean and the weighted mean. For each approach, four cases which can be encountered when dealing with comparison data are detailed. Finally, the effect of the uncertainties on the weights used in the second approach is also considered. This work has been developed for analysis of results of comparisons organized in the field of ionizing radiations, but the formulae are sufficiently general to allow their use for other comparisons. However, correlations between results have not been considered.

The Système International de Référence and its application in key comparisons

The paper begins with the reasons which led to the installation of the Systeme International de Reference (SIR) more than 30 years ago, describes its main features and presents briefly the way it works. Then more detail is given on the treatment of impurities and on the determination of the efficiency curve. The improvements, which have been made recently to update the SIR and make it more efficient, are also discussed. A brief survey of the status of the present SIR is then given before focusing on the new developments which are in progress to enlarge the scope of the SIR towards measurements of radiopharmaceuticals with short half-lives and of α- and β-particle emitters.

Comparison of activity concentration measurement of 63Ni and 55Fe in the framework of the EUROMET 297 project

Abstract Eleven laboratories participated in an intercomparison of activity concentration measurements using liquid scintillation counting (LSC) for the standardization of 63Ni and 55Fe in the frame of the EUROMET project No. 297 and under the co-ordination of LPRI. The purpose of this action was to compare the main LSC activity concentration measurement methods currently used in radioactive metrology, and to exchange models and ideas on LSC. This paper presents a summary of the results reported by the participant laboratories and an overview of the measurement methods used.

Standardization, decay data measurements and evaluation of 64Cu.

The purposes of this study were to create national activity standards of (64)Cu, to make possible the definition of an international key comparison reference value and to determine the decay data in order to improve the decay scheme. Four laboratories measured the activity of a (64)Cu solution; these results were compared through the International Reference System. Moreover, the laboratories carried out new measurements of the photon emission intensities and of the half-life. A new decay scheme was derived from these new values and the previously published ones.

Uncertainty determination for activity measurements by means of the TDCR method and the CIEMAT/NIST efficiency tracing technique

Liquid scintillation counting is a very powerful technique for the activity determination of a number of radionuclides. In radionuclide metrology, the TDCR method and the CIEMAT/NIST efficiency tracing technique are widely used in many laboratories.Both methods require rather complex calculation techniques to derive the counting efficiency of the nuclide under study.This article explores the various sources of uncertainty that should be considered when applying these two techniques, and focuses on possible ways to evaluate them. Concrete examples are provided within the paper.

Comparison of triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) efficiency calculations and uncertainty assessments for 99Tc

A comparison exercise for data analysis was recently conducted by the Liquid Scintillation Counting Working Group (LSCWG) of the International Committee on Radionuclide Metrology (ICRM) to evaluate the uncertainties involved in applying different analysis methodologies (including computer programs) for the triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) method. The goals of the comparison were to (1) study differences in calculation results from different TDCR analysis programs, (2) investigate differences in analysis techniques and uncertainty assessment philosophies between laboratories, and (3) study the effect of not taking asymmetry of photomultiplier tube (PMT) efficiencies into account on the calculated activity. To achieve this, a single set of TDCR data for the pure beta emitter (99)Tc, was distributed to the participants, who analyzed the data according to their normal procedures and report the activity concentration of the (99)Tc solution from their results. The results indicate that the presently used programs are generally able to calculate the same activity values, assuming that the correct input parameters are used and that not taking PMT asymmetry into account in the calculations can lead to significant (0.6% for (99)Tc) errors in reported results. The comparison also highlighted the need for a more rigorous approach to estimating and reporting uncertainties.

Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.F-18 of activity measurements of the radionuclide 18F to include the PTB

Since 2001, six national metrology institutes (NMIs) have submitted six samples of known activity of 18F to the International Reference System (SIR) for activity comparison at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), the most recent being that of the PTB (Germany). The activities ranged from about 1 MBq to 18 MBq. The key comparison reference value (KCRV) has been recalculated to include the latest value, with the agreement of the CCRI(II). The degrees of equivalence between each equivalent activity measured in the SIR have been recalculated and the results are given in the form of a matrix. A graphical presentation is also given for this key comparison with identifier BIPM.RI(II)-K1.F-18. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by Section II of the Consultative Committee for Ionizing Radiation (CCRI(II)), according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

International comparison CCRI(II)-S7 on the analysis of uncertainty budgets for 4πβγ coincidence counting

Detailed uncertainty reporting is imperative for proficiency tests and comparison exercises because uncertainties need to be comparable and trusted by all the participants. Even though participants do their best to follow the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, ambiguities and divergences about uncertainty evaluation remain. Consequently, to analyze the situation, the CCRI (II) Uncertainties Working Group proposed a comparison exercise (CCRI(II)-S7) about the uncertainty evaluation of a relatively simple primary activity measurement: the standardization of a 60Co source by coincidence counting. To be able to understand how various NMIs calculate coincidence counting uncertainties, our study focused on two of the dominant uncertainty components commonly quoted for 4πβ-γ coincidence counting in the International Reference System (SIR) submissions and Key Comparison exercises: efficiency-extrapolation and weighing. Participants from twelve different laboratories were sent the same set of measurement data from the analysis of a 60Co solution standardized at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Our study demonstrated the extent of the different interpretations of the uncertainty components. Some factors causing large discrepancies were isolated and are discussed. Further studies of other techniques using a similar approach would be beneficial for the metrology community. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Analysis of the results of the international comparison of activity measurements of a solution of 55Fe

The results of an international comparison of activity measurements of a solution of (55)Fe organized by the BIPM in 2005 are reported and analysed. This exercise, which follows the procedures of the CIPM mutual recognition arrangement to update older comparisons, is a renewal of the comparison organized by the BIPM that took place in 1978. A EUROMET comparison was organized in 1996 specifically to compare activity measurements of a (55)Fe solution by means of liquid-scintillation techniques. Results of these three comparisons are presented and discussed in this paper. The radionuclide solution was provided by the NPL, which also distributed the samples to the participants. The activity of the ampoules was measured by 16 laboratories using 12 methods producing 25 results. Some general considerations on uncertainty assessments pertaining to the different techniques used are drawn. The outcome of four different estimators is compared from which the presence of at least one outlier can be confirmed. Further measurements should be made to try to reduce the discrepancy between the results. To date the outcome of the present comparison does not show an improvement to that of the 1996 comparison.

Uncertainty evaluation in activity measurements using ionization chambers

Pressurized re-entrant (or 4π) ionization chambers (ICs) connected to current-measuring electronics are used for activity measurements of photon emitting radionuclides and some beta emitters in the fields of metrology and nuclear medicine. As a secondary method, these instruments need to be calibrated with appropriate activity standards from primary or direct standardization. The use of these instruments over 50 years has been well described in numerous publications, such as the Monographie BIPM-4 and the special issue of Metrologia on radionuclide metrology (Ratel 2007 Metrologia 44 S7–16, Schrader1997 Activity Measurements With Ionization Chambers (Monographie BIPM-4) Schrader 2007 Metrologia 44 S53–66, Cox et al 2007 Measurement Modelling of the International Reference System (SIR) for Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides (Monographie BIPM-7)). The present work describes the principles of activity measurements, calibrations, and impurity corrections using pressurized ionization chambers in the first part and the uncertainty analysis illustrated with example uncertainty budgets from routine source-calibration as well as from an international reference system (SIR) measurement in the second part.