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Policies & Procedures
To use radioactive materials or radiation producing machines at the University of Pittsburgh and affiliated UPMC Hospitals (Presbyterian Shadyside, Magee Womens, and Childrens), you must be authorized by the University Radiation Safety Committee/Radiation Safety Office, in accordance with Federal/State regulations and guides for radiation use.
Dosimetry
Radiation monitoring devices (radiation dosimeter) are issued to individuals occupationally exposed to certain levels of ionizing radiation.
General License Materials
Generally licensed material is radioactive material contained in certain devices distributed by licensed facilities to individuals or institutions which do not have to obtain a license in order to possess the material because the regulations provide for it.
Human Use
Exposure of human subjects to ionizing radiation in the course of a biomedical research study involves several considerations in addition to those applied to clinical research studies which do not incorporate such an intervention.
Incidents & Noncompliances
All radiation safety incidents and noncompliances must be communicated to the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).
Isotope Research
Radioactive material is commonly used in research. In biomedical research, incorporating radioactive materials into cells and other biological material allows for location and measurement of sites of interest. Sealed nuclear sources are used in analytical equipment such as gas chromatographs and liquid scintillation counters.
Irradiators
The University owns a variety of both nuclear (gamma) and X-Ray irradiators are available for research purposes, as irradiation of cells and animals is a useful tool for biomedical research.
Waste
Specific guidelines have been developed for the proper packaging and labeling of radioactive waste to facilitate safe and efficient processing and disposal.
Construction in Radiation Spaces
The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) requires the approval of site projects, design and planning requirements, safety training, security of radioactive material and construction implementation in spaces that utilize ionizing radiation.