biodex ATOMLAB 500, Operation And Service Manual, Page: 20 / 212

2. Installation
Operating Requirements
Prior to installing the equipment, plan a layout for the Atomlab unit that will ensure it is
convenient for measuring radionuclides and will not cause undue radiation exposure because of
extra handling of high activity sources. There should be ample room to place a vial shield on
the work surface (preferably behind an l-Block shield), open the shield and remove the vial
using tongs, quickly place the vial into the sample holder and place both into the detector well.
Remember to make radioisotope measurements as the clear plastic detector well liner must be
placed into the detector well, and lower the plastic sample holder into the liner. Make sure
there will be no obstructions such as wall cabinets above the detector unit. Such obstacles may
make it difficult to insert and remove the sample holder.
NOTE: A well liner must be used at all times.
Work Surface
Select a table or other counter that is free of vibration, does not wobble, and will easily support
300 pounds.
The surface area of the tabletop should provide ample area to accommodate the detector unit,
display unit, the L-Block shield, the shielded radionuclide preparation area, and room for
writing.
Suggested dimensions of the table top are:
•
30 in. deep
•
48 in. wide
•
36 in. high
Physical Location and Environment
Frequently, dose calibrators are located in areas called hot labs in which there is a wet sink with
plumbing. Do not locate the dose calibrator on a table or other counter that can become wet or
is subject to splashing or spraying.
Avoid areas that have drafts caused by heating or air conditioners or are in direct sunlight.
Electronics work best when a constant temperature is maintained. The temperature range is
from 10 to 30° C and the relative humidity range from 0 to 90%. Select a location for the dose
calibrator that is not frequently used by other personnel — one where the table on which it lies
will not be bumped. In general, make sure the work area is clean, dry, and dust free.
Avoid locating the dose calibrator near a radioactive materials storage area. The .25-inch lead
shield around the detector shields it from changes in radiation levels from diagnostic energy
radionuclides (i.e., Tc-99m); however, the high energy radiation from sources such as Cs-137, F-
18 and Co-60 will easily penetrate the shield and change the background radiation level. The
lower the ambient radioactivity, the less background activity for which the Atomlab Dose
Calibrator must compensate, and the greater the accuracy and reliability of the readings.