Document Detail


Replacement of 137Cs irradiators with x-ray irradiators.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19125053     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Self-shielded 137Cs irradiators have been used for many years to irradiate blood products to prevent graft vs. host disease and to irradiate cells and small animals in research. A report by the National Academy of Sciences recommends that careful consideration be given to replacement of 137Cs irradiators with x-ray irradiators. Several manufacturers and users of x-ray irradiators were contacted to determine costs of replacing and maintaining 137Cs irradiators with x-ray units and to assess users' experience with x-ray irradiators. Purchase costs of x-ray units are similar to 137Cs irradiators, but maintenance costs are significantly higher if annual service contracts are used. Performance of the two irradiator types appears to be equivalent, but in some cases x-ray irradiations may need to be performed in multiple configurations to achieve adequate uniformity in dose. No literature reports were found that evaluated the biological effectiveness of x rays vs. 137Cs gamma rays; therefore, a careful study should be conducted to determine the biological effectiveness of x rays vs. 137Cs gamma rays for biological responses relevant to transfusion medicine and immunological research. Throughput may be problematic for large transfusion medicine programs, and back-up plans may be necessary in case the x-ray unit needs to be taken out of service for extended maintenance. Disposition of a 137Cs irradiator will add to the cost of replacement with an x-ray unit, but disposal may be possible through the U.S. Department of Energy's Off-Site Source Recovery Program.
Authors:
Brian Dodd; Richard J Vetter
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Health physics     Volume:  96     ISSN:  1538-5159     ISO Abbreviation:  Health Phys     Publication Date:  2009 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-01-06     Completed Date:  2009-01-30     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  2985093R     Medline TA:  Health Phys     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  S27-30     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
BDConsulting, 10313 Cogswell Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89134-5209, USA. bdc.mail@cox.net
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Blood / radiation effects
Cesium Radioisotopes*
Humans
Radionuclide Generators / economics,  instrumentation*
Relative Biological Effectiveness
X-Rays*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Cesium Radioisotopes

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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