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Safe Use of Radioisotopes

Jill Meisenhelder¹, Steve Bursik¹

¹The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California

Publication Name:

Current Protocols in Protein Science

Unit Number:

Appendix 2B

DOI:

10.1002/0471140864.psa02bs60

Online Posting Date:

April, 2010

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Abstract

The pursuit of scientific knowledge has been considerably advanced by the use of biochemical molecules that incorporate radioisotopes at specific sites. The fate of these labeled molecules, and/or the radiolabeled products that result from biochemical reactions in which the parent molecule was involved, can be traced using a variety of instruments that detect radioactivity. This appendix begins with a discussion of the principles of radioactivity in order to provide the reader/user with knowledge on which to base a common sense approach to the safe use of isotopes. The characteristics of isotopes most commonly used in a molecular biology laboratory are then detailed, as well as the safety precautions and monitoring methods peculiar to each one. Detection and imaging methods used in experimental analysis are reviewed. Finally, an outline of an orderly response to a spill of radioactive material is presented. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 60:A.2B.1-A.2B.18. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Keywords: radiation safety; radioactivity; isotopes; decay; shielding; monitoring; exposure; dosimeter

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Introduction
Background Information
Minimizing Exposure
General Precautions
Specific Precautions
Measuring Radioactivity
Responding to Spills
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
Literature Cited
Figures
Tables

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Figures

Figure A.2B.1

Plexiglas shielding for ³²P. (A) Two portable shields (L and T design) made of 0.5-in. (12.5-mm) Plexiglas. Either can be used to directly shield the scientist from the radioactivity being used. Turned on its side, the L-shaped shield can be used to construct two sides of a cage around a temporary work area, providing shielding for workers directly across from or to the sides of the person working with ³²P. (B) Tube rack for samples in microcentrifuge tubes. (C) Tube holder for liquid waste collection.

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Figure A.2B.2

(A) Box for cell incubation (a “cell house”). (B) Stationary leaded shield. (C) Sample storage rack and box made of 0.5-in. Plexiglas. (D) Box for solid waste collection made of 0.5-in. Plexiglas. ID, interior dimension.

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Figure A.2B.3

Use of Plexiglas dish shields for ³²P reduces extremity exposure.

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Literature Cited

Literature Cited
	Board on Radiation Effects Research (BRER). 2006. Health risks from exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation: BEIR VII Phase 2. BRER, National Research Council, The National Academies Press, Washington, D.C. Available online at http://www.nap.edu/books/030909156X/html.
	Bursik, S., Meisenhelder J., and Spahn, G. 1999. Characterization and minimization of extremity doses during ³²P metabolic cell labeling. Health Phys. 77:595-600.
	Klein, R., Reginatto, M., Party, E., and Gershey, E. 1990. Practical radiation shielding for biomedical research. Radiat. Prot. Manage. 7:30-37.
	Lederer, C.M., Hollander, J.M., and Perlman, I. (eds.) 1967. Table of Radioisotopes, 6th ed. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
	Meisenhelder, J. and Hunter, T. 1988. Radioactive protein-labeling techniques. Nature 335:120.
	Shleien, B. (ed.) 1987. Radiation Safety Manual for Users of Radioisotopes in Research and Academic Institutions. Nucleon Lectern Associates, Olney, Md.
Internet Resources
	http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs
Princeton University Environmental Health and Safety Web site containing radioisotope fact sheets.