Veterinary Authorized User Training


Hi ,

Welcome to Veterinary Authorized User Training.

This course consists of 8 Lessons and 8 Quizzes.

You are not yet enrolled in this course.


F.X. Massé Veterinary AU and RSO Training Modules

This training has been developed to satisfy regulatory training requirements for new Authorized Users (AU) specifically related to the use of unsealed radioactive materials for veterinary applications. The training consists of eight modules which entail didactic slides, reading materials, and a quiz. Once the quiz is complete, the user will be able to move to the next module. Once all eight modules are completed, the veterinarian will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate can be used for a radioactive materials license amendment to add the new AU.  Note, this course will be specific to the unsealed use of Synovetin OA which contains 117mSn (Tin-117 metastable).

While not necessary for completion, the recommended reference text for this training is Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection– Turner.

Module 1 – Regulatory Overview
Module 2 – Radioactivity
Module 3 – Interaction of Radiation with Matter
Module 4 – Radiation Detection and Measurement
Module 5 – Radiation Biology
Module 6 – Shielding and Dosimetry
Module 7 – Radiation Safety Surveys and Statistics
Module 8 – Waste, Decay in Storage, and Disposal

1. Regulatory overview

  • Introduction
  • Radioactive Materials License
  • Governing Bodies
  • Authorized Users
  • Radiation Safety Officer
  • Amendments
  • License Conditions
  • Violations

Reading List:

  • 1.1 Synovetin OA Device Label
  • 1.2 NUREG 1556 Volume 7 Revision 1
  • 1.3 NRC Regulatory Guide 10.8: Guide for the Preparation of Applications for Medical Use Programs
  • 1.4 Your Current RAM License (if applicable)
  • 1.5 Your Most Recent RAM Renewal (if applicable)

2. Radioactivity

  • Atomic Structure
  • Atomic and Mass Numbers
  • Chart of the Nuclides
  • Radioactive Decay
    • Equation for Half Life
  • Alpha Emission
  • Beta Emission
  • Gamma Emission
  • Neutron Emission
  • Mixed Emission
  • Specific Properties of 117mSn

Recommended Reading:

  • 1.2 NUREG 1556 Volume 7 Revision 1
  • 2.2 Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection – Turner

3. Interaction of Radiation with Matter

  • Modes of Interaction
  • Charged Particle Interaction
  • Beta Particle Interaction
  • Photon Interactions
  • Neutron Interactions
  • Specific Interaction Properties of 117mSn

Recommended Reading:

  • 1.1 Synovetin OA Device Label
  • 1.2 NUREG 1556 Volume 7 Revision 1
  • 2.2 Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection – Turner

4. Radiation Detection and Measurement

  • Gas filled Chambers
    • Ionization Chamber
    • Well Counter/ Dose Calibrator
  • Scintillation Detectors
    • Ludlum 44-3
  • GM counter
    • Ludlum 44-8
    • Ludlum 44-9

Reading List:

  • 4.1 Ludlum 9DP Specifications Sheet
  • 4.2 Ludlum 44-3 Specifications Sheet
  • 4.3 Ludlum 44-88 Specifications Sheet
  • 4.4 Ludlum 44-9 Specifications Sheet
  • 4.5 Ludlum 44-38 Specifications Sheet
  • 4.6 Ludlum 26-1 Dose Specifications Sheet
  • 4.7 AAPM Report 181: Dose Calibrators
  • 4.8 ANSI Standard for Dose Calibrators

5. Radiation Biology

  • Radiation quantities and units
  • Quality factor
  • Biological effects
  • Mechanisms of damage
  • Stochastic risk
  • Radiation disasters
  • Natural background
  • ALARA Principle

Reading List:

  • 5.1 NRC Regulatory Guide 8.10: ALARA Philosophy
  • 5.2 NRC Regulatory Guide 8.29: Instruction Concerning Risks from Occupational Radiation Exposure
  • 5.3 NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13: Instruction Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure

6. Shielding / Dosimetry

  • Charge Particle Shielding
  • Photon Shielding
  • Neutron Shielding
  • Facility Design and Shielding
  • Ideal Hot Lab Setup
    • Specific Shielding Properties for 117mSn
  • External dose
    • Dosimeters for External Monitoring
  • Internal dose
    • Internal Dose Monitoring for Bioassay
  • Specific Properties for External and Internal Monitoring of 117mSn

Reading List:

  • 6.1 NRC Regulatory Guide 8.7: Instruction for Recording and Reporting Occupational Radiation Dose
  • 6.2 NRC Regulatory Guide 8.9: Bioassay Program
  • 6.3 NRC Regulatory Guide 8.34: Monitoring Criteria and Methods to Calculate Occupational Dose

7. Radiation Safety Surveys and Statistics

  • Surveys for Contamination
    • Well Counter
    • GM; MDA Properties
  • Surveys for Exposure Rate
    • GM Ratemeter
    • Ion Chamber
  • Release Criteria for Injection of 117mSn
    • Owner Interview
    • Owner Precautions
    • Release Measurement Techniques
  • Brief Overview of DOT Regulations
    • DOT Training

Reading List:

  • 7.1 NRC Regulatory Guide 8.2: Administrative Practices in Radiation Surveys and Monitoring
  • 7.2 NRC Regulatory Guide 8.39: Release of Patients Administered Radioactive Materials
  • 7.3 MDA and Contamination Assessment
  • 7.4 Owner Interview
  • 7.5 Owner Precautions/Release Instructions

8. Waste, DIS, disposal

  • Radioactive waste regulations
  • Solid waste DIS
  • Rules for DIS and surveys for DIS
    • specific DIS for 117mSn
  • Liquid waste sanitary sewer.
    • specific sanitary sewer disposal for aqueous 117mSn
  • License conditions
  • Organic waste (dead animal) rules and restrictions
  • Radiation Safety Basics
    • Handling
    • Spill Procedure

Reading List: