Solid scintillation proximity membranes. II. Use in wipe test assays for radioactive contamination

• Published in: Journal of membrane science 1998-09, Vol.148 (2), p.223-232
• Main Authors: Han, Myeong-Jin, Bummer, Paul M., Jay, Michael
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Exchange resins and membranes; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; General pharmacology; Medical sciences; Membrane preparation and structure; Pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical industry; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Scintillation proximity; Solubility and partitioning; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0376-7388; 1873-3123
• DOI: 10.1016/S0376-7388(98)00174-4

Membranes containing the inorganic fluor cerium-activated yttrium silicate were prepared using three different coagulation techniques and were subsequently evaluated for their suitability in cocktail-less wipe tests for radioactive ( 3 H -cortisol) contamination. Wipe tests employing fluor-containing membranes that were prepared by direct vitrification were nearly as efficient as the conventional wipe test assays that require the use of scintillation cocktails at detecting radioactive contamination on tile surfaces. The sensitivity of detecting radioactivity on the contaminated surfaces was significantly greater when the side of the membrane exposed to air during coagulation was used in the wipe tests compared to the side of the membrane exposed to the glass. Treatment of the membranes with DMF induced a change in surface morphology which allowed more radioactivity to be transferred from the surface, but also caused the leaching of the fluor from the membrane. This resulted in an overall decrease in detection efficiency.