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Published by capintec, 2018-02-19 20:07:07

CAPRAC-R Manual

CAPRAC-R Manual

CAPRAC-R

WIPE TEST MONITOR AND
WELL COUNTER

OWNER’S MANUAL

Capintec, Inc.
Sales and Marketing
and Customer Support

6 Arrow Road
Ramsey, NJ 07446
Phone (800) ASK-4CRC
Fax (201) 825-1336

Capintec, Inc.
Service Center
620 Alpha Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Phone (800) 227-6832
Fax (412) 963-0610

Copyright© 1995 Capintec, Inc.

CAPRAC is a registered trademark of Capintec, Inc.
U.S. Patent - 4,649,276

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Manual Stock No. 9250-0077
Rev. J – March 2010



CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................1-1
INTRODUCTION TO THE CAPINTEC CAPRAC®-R ........................................................1-1
SODIUM-IODIDE (NaI) DRILLED-WELL CRYSTAL .........................................................1-1
ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES OF THE CAPRAC®-R ........................................................1-2
HOW THE CAPRAC-R WORKS .......................................................................................1-2
Count Rate Measurement ..............................................................................................1-2
Calculating Disintegration Rates ....................................................................................1-2
Discriminates Energy Levels..........................................................................................1-2
SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................................1-3
Detector .........................................................................................................................1-3
Energy Discrimination ....................................................................................................1-3
Display Screen ...............................................................................................................1-4
Dimensions ....................................................................................................................1-4
Trigger Levels ................................................................................................................1-4
Power Requirements......................................................................................................1-4
Count Rate .....................................................................................................................1-4
Measurement Times ......................................................................................................1-4
Outputs ..........................................................................................................................1-4
SAFETY CLASSES ...........................................................................................................1-5
SERVICE ...........................................................................................................................1-5
Fuse Servicing ...............................................................................................................1-5

INSTALLATION AND SET-UP .............................................................................................2-1
RECEIVING CONDITION EXAMINATION ........................................................................2-1
UNPACKING .....................................................................................................................2-1
OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................2-3
ON/OFF SWITCH ..............................................................................................................2-3
CAPRAC-R INSTALLATION .............................................................................................2-3
PRINTER INSTALLATION (Optional)................................................................................2-4
CAPRAC-R SETUP ...........................................................................................................2-4
KEYBOARD .......................................................................................................................2-4
Layout ............................................................................................................................2-4
Key Usage .....................................................................................................................2-5
DISPLAY (num/graph) Key........................................................................................2-5
CF (nuclide) ...............................................................................................................2-5
BKG ...........................................................................................................................2-5
WIPE .........................................................................................................................2-5
UTIL...........................................................................................................................2-5
COUNT (start/stop)....................................................................................................2-5
 (next) .....................................................................................................................2-6
 (prev.) ....................................................................................................................2-6
 (change) ................................................................................................................2-6
ENTER (print) ............................................................................................................2-6
POWER-UP SEQUENCE..................................................................................................2-6
WARM-UP .........................................................................................................................2-6

March 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS TOC - 1

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

TIME/DATE SET-UP ......................................................................................................... 2-7
DATE .............................................................................................................................2-7
TIME ..............................................................................................................................2-7

MAIN UTILITY MENU........................................................................................................ 2-8
PASSWORD SCREEN...................................................................................................... 2-9
STANDARD REFERENCE SOURCE ENTRY ................................................................ 2-10
DIAGNOSTICS................................................................................................................ 2-12
BACKGROUND ACTIVITY.............................................................................................. 2-14

Changing the Screen Format between Graph and Number Display ...........................2-15
Stop/Start Background Count ......................................................................................2-15
Exceeding Background Trigger Level..........................................................................2-17
AUTO CAL (CALIBRATION) ........................................................................................... 2-17
REPEAT BACKGROUND COUNT AFTER AUTO CAL.................................................. 2-19
CONVERSION FACTORS .............................................................................................. 2-19
Measure CF Value.......................................................................................................2-19
Repeat AUTO CAL and Background ...........................................................................2-26
TEST (of Calibration)....................................................................................................... 2-26

GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ..........................................................................3-1
DAILY REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................. 3-1
WEEKLY REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................. 3-1
POWER-UP/WARM-UP .................................................................................................... 3-1
BACKGROUND................................................................................................................. 3-1
Measure Background.....................................................................................................3-2
Exceeding Background Trigger Level............................................................................3-2
TEST (of Calibration)......................................................................................................... 3-3
AUTO CAL (CALIBRATION) ............................................................................................. 3-4
Repeat Background Count after Auto Cal .....................................................................3-4
GRAPH COUNT DISPLAY................................................................................................ 3-4
PRINTOUTS ...................................................................................................................... 3-5
DETECTING SPECIFIC RADIONUCLIDES IN A WIPE TEST ......................................... 3-5
FACTORS AFFECTING RADIATION MEASUREMENTS ................................................ 3-6
Geometry .......................................................................................................................3-6
CONVERSION FROM CPM TO DPM............................................................................... 3-6
COUNTING STATISTICS.................................................................................................. 3-6
NET VERSUS TOTAL COUNTS....................................................................................... 3-7
MAXIMUM COUNT RATE................................................................................................. 3-7

WIPE TEST MEASUREMENTS ...........................................................................................4-1
GENERAL ......................................................................................................................... 4-1
WIPE (WORK AREAS)...................................................................................................... 4-1
BAR GRAPH SHADING .................................................................................................... 4-5
NEGATIVE NUMBERS ..................................................................................................... 4-6
WIPE PRINTOUT .............................................................................................................. 4-7
SPECIFIC NUCLIDES....................................................................................................... 4-7
UNRESTRICTED AREAS ................................................................................................. 4-9
SEALED SOURCE .......................................................................................................... 4-11
GENERAL ....................................................................................................................... 4-12

TOC - 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

TRIGGER LEVELS: SETTING COUNT LIMITS...................................................................5-1
GENERAL..........................................................................................................................5-1
COMMONLY USED TRIGGER LEVELS AND ACCEPTABLE RANGES .........................5-3
MINIMUM DETECTABLE ACTIVITY (MDA) .....................................................................5-4

CONVERSION FACTORS FOR NUCLIDES........................................................................6-1
GENERAL..........................................................................................................................6-1
ADDING CF VALUES........................................................................................................6-2
Measure CF Value .........................................................................................................6-2
Input CF Value .............................................................................................................6-10
Input CF of Generic Nuclide.........................................................................................6-10

NUCLIDES TO LOOK FOR IN WIPES.................................................................................7-1
GENERAL..........................................................................................................................7-1
NUCLIDE SELECTION......................................................................................................7-1
Wipe and Unrestricted....................................................................................................7-1
Sealed Source ...............................................................................................................7-4

USER-DEFINED NUCLIDES ................................................................................................8-1
GENERAL..........................................................................................................................8-1
ADDING A USER-DEFINED NUCLIDE.............................................................................8-1
ADDING CF FOR USER-DEFINED NUCLIDE..................................................................8-4
Measure CF ...................................................................................................................8-4
Input CF .........................................................................................................................8-9
REPLACING A USER-DEFINED NUCLIDE WHEN THE MEMORY IS FULL ................8-10

PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION................................................................................9-1
TEST OF CALIBRATION...................................................................................................9-1
Calibration Ratios...........................................................................................................9-7
AUTO CAL – CAPRAC-R SELF CALIBRATION ...............................................................9-8
Gain Reference ............................................................................................................9-11
Repeat Background Count after Auto Cal....................................................................9-11
Auto Cal Limits .............................................................................................................9-11
Auto Calibration Errors.................................................................................................9-12

DIAGNOSTICS ...................................................................................................................10-1

ACCEPTANCE AND QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTS .....................................................11-1
GENERAL........................................................................................................................11-1
ACCEPTANCE TESTS....................................................................................................11-1
Diagnostic Test ............................................................................................................11-1
Background ..................................................................................................................11-1
Auto Cal .......................................................................................................................11-2
Test ..............................................................................................................................11-2
QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTS .....................................................................................11-2
Contamination Test ......................................................................................................11-2

March 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS TOC - 3

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

THE PRINTER ....................................................................................................................12-1

ERROR AND WARNING MESSAGES ..............................................................................13-1
BACKGROUND TOO HIGH ............................................................................................ 13-1
COUNTING RATE TOO HIGH ........................................................................................ 13-2
INPUT ERROR................................................................................................................ 13-2
MEASURE BKG .............................................................................................................. 13-3
MUST PERFORM AUTO CAL ........................................................................................ 13-3
PLEASE WAIT ................................................................................................................ 13-4
NO ROOM TO ADD ........................................................................................................ 13-4

BLOOD TESTS ..................................................................................................................14-1
GENERAL ....................................................................................................................... 14-1
PLASMA VOLUME (I-125) .............................................................................................. 14-2
Background Count .......................................................................................................14-3
Sample Counts ............................................................................................................14-4
Plasma Volume Calculations .......................................................................................14-6
Plasma Volume Results Display..................................................................................14-7
RBC VOLUME (Cr51) ) ................................................................................................... 14-8
Background Count .......................................................................................................14-9
Sample Counts ..........................................................................................................14-10
RBC Volume Calculations .........................................................................................14-12
RBC Volume Results .................................................................................................14-13

SCHILLING TEST ..............................................................................................................15-1
GENERAL ....................................................................................................................... 15-1
BACKGROUND COUNT ................................................................................................. 15-3
SAMPLE COUNTS.......................................................................................................... 15-4
SCHILLING TEST CALCULATIONS............................................................................... 15-5
SCHILLING TEST RESULTS.......................................................................................... 15-6

MDA TEST..........................................................................................................................16-1
MINIMUM DETECTABLE ACTIVITY (MDA) ................................................................... 16-1
MDA TEST RESULTS..................................................................................................... 16-4
MDA CALCULATION ...................................................................................................... 16-6
Example Calculations ..................................................................................................16-6

N.R.C. REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR AREA SURVEY MONITORING (WIPE
TESTING) ...........................................................................................................................17-1

APPENDIX H: Model Procedure for Leak-Testing Sealed Sources ................................ 17-1
Model Procedure .........................................................................................................17-1

APPENDIX L: Model Procedure for Safely Opening Packages Containing Radioactive
Material............................................................................................................................ 17-2

Model Procedure .........................................................................................................17-3
APPENDIX N: Model Procedure for Area Surveys.......................................................... 17-4

Model Procedure .........................................................................................................17-4
Ambient Dose Rate Surveys ...................................................................................17-4

TOC - 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Removable Contamination Surveys ........................................................................17-4
Records ...................................................................................................................17-5

SAMPLE WORKSHEETS AND REPORTS

INDEX

WARRANTY

March 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS TOC - 5



CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION TO THE CAPINTEC CAPRAC®-R

Thank you for purchasing Capintec’s CAPRAC®-R, an instrument designed to measure
radioactive contamination as well as serve as a general purpose well counter. The CAPRAC-
R’s easy-to-use advanced technology enables the user to comply with state and federal
radiation safety requirements that involve area wipe tests.

Every effort has been made to insure that the information in this owner’s manual is complete,
accurate, up-to-date and easy for the user to understand. Capintec, Inc. assumes no
responsibility for results or errors beyond its control. Please address any comments
pertaining to this manual to:

CAPINTEC, INC.
620 Alpha Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Phone (412) 963-1988
Fax (412) 963-0610

SODIUM-IODIDE (NaI) DRILLED-WELL CRYSTAL

The CAPRAC-R’s NaI drilled-well crystal detector offers greater sensitivity and faster results
than wipe test monitors that use Geiger-Mueller (GM) tube technology.

Capabilities and Features NaI Drilled - GM-Tube
Well Crystal Detector
Counting time required to achieve sensitivity of 1 nCi 6 to 180 sec 300 to 6000 sec
(2220 dpm) required by regulators (0.1 to 3.0 min) (5 to 10 min)
Counting time recommended for low background levels
Offers energy discrimination, which helps users identify Yes No
radionuclide contaminants with gamma spectroscopy Yes No
Achieves sensitivity of 200 dpm, required for iodine
therapy Yes No
Handles high count rates (60,000 cps) before exceeding
30% dead time Yes No
Evaluates identity of radiopharmaceuticals and
brachytherapy sources, helps identify contaminants Yes No

September 07 INTRODUCTION 1-1

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES OF THE CAPRAC®-R

• Does not require the user to purchase a pulse height analyzer for use.
• Automatically provides written documentation of calibration and measurement results.
• Self-calibration of the keV per channel ratio by the CAPRAC-R’s microprocessor-

controlled automatic internal energy calibration feature.
• Automatically calculates the conversion factor and converts readings in counts per

minute (cpm) to disintegrations per minute (dpm) as required by most state and
federal regulations.
• Stores conversion factors and gamma spectroscopy data for 68 radionuclides and
has space for 10 additional user-defined radionuclides in the CAPRAC-R memory.

HOW THE CAPRAC-R WORKS

The CAPRAC-R measures radioactivity in samples placed in its built-in drilled NaI crystal
detector. Capintec has optimized this device to provide wipe test results conducted as part of
an overall radiation safety program. The CAPRAC-R uses the NaI crystal as a scintillation
probe.

Count Rate Measurement
Radiation from a sample placed in the detector interacts with the NaI crystal and gives off
scintillations, or light. The light is converted to pulses of electrical current by a photomultiplier
tube that is proportional in amplitude to the energy of the radiation. The CAPRAC-R counts
each of these pulses and calculates either the number of counts per minute (cpm) when the
device is set to measure Curies, or the number of counts per second (cps) when the device
is set to measure Becquerels.

Calculating Disintegration Rates
Once a radioactive sample has been calibrated, the CAPRAC-R can calculate the number of
disintegrations (or nuclear transformations) that occur in a period of time and most often
recorded as disintegrations per minute or dpm. Most state and federal regulations require
that wipe test measurements be recorded in dpm.

Discriminates Energy Levels
The CAPRAC-R can discriminate between pulses of various amplitudes, or energy levels.
The CAPRAC-R divides the entire range of pulse amplitudes into six channels:

1-2 INTRODUCTION September 07

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Channel Energy Range in keV

1 15 to 100
2 100 to 200
3 200 to 400
4 400 to 660
5 660 to 800
6 > 800

As the CAPRAC-R counts a sample, it keeps track of how many pulses are detected within
each channel. Since each radionuclide emits radiation with a characteristic energy, the
CAPRAC-R can help to determine which isotope is present in a sample. For example,
Technetium-99m (Tc99m) has a gamma energy peak at 140 keV; therefore, a sample that
triggers a high count reading in CAPRAC-R channel 2 could indicate Tc99m contamination.
Similarly, Indium-111 (In111) has gamma energy peaks at 171 and 245 keV. A wipe sample
that shows high counts in CAPRAC-R’s channels 2 and 3 could indicate In111
contamination.

Note: The CAPRAC-R is not designed to provide conclusive identification of radionuclides
found in wipe-test samples; rather, it is designed to help identify contaminants by
narrowing down the possible isotopes contained in the wipe test sample.

Additionally, the CAPRAC-R can give a “generic” result for a wipe test sample by
grouping all six channels together as one open energy window. The generic count
indicates whether a sample exceeds trigger levels, but does not help to identify the
contaminant.

SPECIFICATIONS CAPRAC-R 600 Well (optional)
Drilled-well crystal, NaI scintillator
Detector
Shielded by 2.5 cm (1”) lead
CAPRAC-R Well (standard) 5.1 cm (2”) x 5.1 cm (2”)
Drilled-well crystal, NaI scintillator Well diameter: 1.7 cm (.67”)
Well depth: 3.8 cm (1.5”)
Shielded by 1.3 cm (.5”) lead
3.8 cm (1.5”) x 4.4 cm (1.75”)
Well diameter: 1.7 cm (.67”)
Well depth: 3.8 cm (1.5”)

Energy Discrimination

6 channels
Channel 1 ...... 15 to 100 keV
Channel 2 ...... 100 to 200 keV
Channel 3 ...... 200 to 400 keV
Channel 4 ...... 400 to 660 keV
Channel 5 ...... 660 to 800 keV
Channel 6 ...... > 800 keV

September 07 INTRODUCTION 1-3

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Display Screen

Liquid crystal display, 64 rows by 128 columns
Direct reading in cpm, conversion to dpm with Conversion Factors

Dimensions CAPRAC-R 600 Well (optional)
Diameter ........ 11.4 cm (4.5”)
Readout Unit Height ............ 39.4 cm (15.5”)
Width..............18.5 cm (7.25”) Weight ........... 31.8 kg (70 lbs)
Depth .............29.8 cm (11.75”)
Height.............11.1 cm (4.38”)
Weight............2.4 kg (5.4lbs)

CAPRAC-R Well (standard)
Diameter ........7.6 cm (3”)
Height.............24.8 cm (9.75”)
Weight............10.2 kg (22.5 lbs)

Trigger Levels

User-defined for work areas, unrestricted areas and patient rooms, sealed sources, and
Background

Power Requirements

Standard, 115V, 0.10A, (90-130V), 50/60 Hz
Option, 220V, 0.05A, (180-250V), 50/60 Hz

Count Rate
Maximum 60,000 cps

Measurement Times

User-defined, range from 6 sec to 30 min (1800 sec)
60 to 1800 sec for Background

Outputs
Serial RS-232 for Strip Printer (optional)

1-4 INTRODUCTION September 07

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

SAFETY CLASSES

The CAPRAC®-R has been independently tested and is manufactured in compliance with the
following standards:

European Union Norm EN 60601-1-2

Emissions:
EN 55011 EMISSIONS Class A

Immunity: Electrostatic Discharge
IEC 801-2 RF Susceptibility
IEC 801-3 EFT/Burst
IEC 801-4

Electrical Safety:
EN61010-1, 1993 Laboratory Equipment

ETL Listed:

SERVICE

REFER ALL SERVICING TO A QUALIFIED SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE !

It is recommended that periodic calibration of the unit be performed by Capintec’s Authorized
Service Center to guarantee that the CAPRAC-R’s high reliability is maintained.

CAPINTEC, Inc.
620 Alpha Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Phone (412) 963-1988, 1-800-227-6832
Fax (412) 963-0610

Fuse Servicing

CAUTION

For continued protection, replace only with
same type and rating of fuse(s)

Two fuses are located in the power entry module next to the power cord connector on the
back panel of the unit. These fuses are rated at T 100 mA (Slow Blow) 250VAC as specified
on the label located directly below the power entry module.

September 07 INTRODUCTION 1-5

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

To change these fuses:
1. Turn off the CAPRAC®-R and unplug the power cord from the rear panel.

2. Insert the tip of a small flat bladed screwdriver into the notch of the power entry
module just to the left of the switch. Twist the screwdriver to open the fuse cover
door. (Refer to Figure 1-1 Fuse Replacement).

3. To remove the first of the two fuse carriers, insert the tip of the screwdriver behind the
arrow and pull it out. Repeat this process for the second fuse.

4. Remove the blown fuse(s) from the carrier and replace with T 100 mA (Slow Blow)
250V fuses.

5. Re-insert the fuse carriers with the arrows pointing up.

Figure 1-1 Fuse Replacement
6. Close the fuse cover door and snap it into place.
7. Replace the power cord and turn on the switch.

1-6 INTRODUCTION September 07

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

CHAPTER 2

INSTALLATION AND SET-UP

RECEIVING CONDITION EXAMINATION

Be sure to verify that the shipping carton is received in good condition, i.e., no damage
should be visible and the box should be dry and clean.

Should the instrument be received in a damaged condition, save the shipping container and
the packing material and request an immediate inspection by the carrier.

Capintec, Inc. is not responsible for the damage, which occurs during shipment but will make
every effort to help obtain restitution from the carrier.

UNPACKING

The instrument is packed and shipped as a complete unit. All the accessories are contained
in the cartons. (If an optional printer is included, they will be in separate cartons.)

The instrument is shipped in a plastic bag in order to provide a dry and clean environment
during shipment.

CAUTION

Be sure the instrument has reached room temperature prior to opening the bag.
(Leave the box in the room 24 hours before opening it.)

The detector Top Shield and Top Shield Cover weigh approximately 9.5 pounds. Use caution
when removing the unit from its shipping carton.

Figure 2-1 CAPRAC-R Components provides a labeled drawing of the components of your
new CAPRAC-R. Figure 2-2 Back panel of CAPRAC-R provides you with a view of the back
panel of the CAPRAC-R. Please familiarize yourself with the components of your new
CAPRAC-R prior to setting up your unit.

1. Remove all outer packing material and tapes. The shipping and packing material
should be saved for future use.

2. The following equipment should be found upon unpacking:
 Owner’s manual
 CAPRAC-R Wipe Test Counter Readout Unit
 Power Cord
 Remote Well Counter
o Top Shield

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2-1

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

o Top Shield Cover
 Printer (optional)

o Epson Slip printer, or
o Epson Roll printer, or

The Printer should have the following accessories:
 Power Supply
 Printer Ribbon
 Communications Cable
 Roll Paper (If Roll printer ordered)
 Tickets (If Ticket printer ordered)

3. Be sure to remove all tape and protective material from the instrument prior to
connecting to the power line.

Please verify that all items have been included with your shipment. If you are missing any
component, please contact Capintec immediately at (412) 963-1988.

Figure 2-1 CAPRAC-R Components

2-2 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Figure 2-2 Back panel of CAPRAC-R

OVERVIEW

The Capintec CAPRAC®-R radiation measurement device has a remote drilled well crystal
detector and a keyboard and display screen in one unit. The CAPRAC-R connects to a
printer with a cable. Both the CAPRAC-R and the printer must be plugged into a three-
pronged outlet.

ON/OFF SWITCH

Both the CAPRAC-R and the printer have a black on/off switch. Press the vertical white line
up to turn the unit on; press the white circle down to turn the unit off. The on/off switch is on
the back panel of the CAPRAC-R and on the right side of the printer.

CAPRAC-R INSTALLATION

1. Carefully remove the CAPRAC-R from its shipping container and place it on a firm
surface.

2. Remove the protective wrapping.
3. Confirm that the power switch is in the ‘OFF’ position by pressing down on the white

circle of the on/off switch located on the back panel of the unit.
4. Attach the Remote Well Counter cable to the connector labeled “DETECTOR” on the

back panel of the CAPRAC-R.

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2-3

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

5. Plug the power cord into the receptacle on the back panel of the CAPRAC-R and into
an appropriate power source.

PRINTER INSTALLATION (Optional)

1. Carefully remove the printer from its shipping container and place it on a firm surface
adjacent to the CAPRAC-R.

2. Confirm that the power switch is in the ‘OFF’ position by pressing down on the white
circle on the on/off switch located on the right side of the unit

3. Attach the printer cable to the connector labeled ‘PRINTER’ on the back panel of the
CAPRAC-R and the other end to the printer.

4. Plug the circular connector of the printer power cord into the back of the printer; plug
the other end of the cord into an appropriate power source.

5. Turn the printer power switch to the ‘ON’ position by pressing up on the vertical white
line on the on/off switch located on the right side of the unit.

6. Turn the CAPRAC-R power switch to the ‘ON’ position by pressing up on the vertical
white line on the on/off switch located on the back of the unit.

CAPRAC-R SETUP

The following procedures must be performed prior to the initial use of the CAPRAC-R:
1. Power-up sequence
2. Enter time/date
3. Enter standard reference source data
4. Perform Diagnostics
5. Perform initial background count
6. Perform Auto Cal
7. Perform second background count
8. Enter conversion factor (CF) data
9. Repeat Auto Cal and background count
10. Perform Test

KEYBOARD

Layout

The CAPRAC-R keyboard has 10 keys (as shown in Figure 2-3 CAPRAC-R Keyboard) that
control all operations of the unit.

2-4 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Figure 2-3 CAPRAC-R Keyboard

Key Usage
General usage of keys is briefly described. Specific key usage will be given in the
appropriate sections.

DISPLAY (num/graph) Key
Changes the display from number format to graph format and displays dpm counts at
end of the counting period.

CF (nuclide)
Changes the display to show wipe test results for individual nuclides; used to
determine conversion factor (CF) for nuclides and generic wipes that includes counts
from all six CAPRAC-R channels and displays dpm counts if pressed during the
counting period.

BKG
Used to measure background activity.

WIPE
Used to measure wipe test sample; acts as escape or home key.

UTIL
Used to display Utility Menu.

COUNT (start/stop)
Used to start or stop a counting period for a measurement.

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2-5

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

 (next)
Moves cursor up list of menu choices; increases numbers; changes letters to the next
alphabetical letter; changes month to the next month; answers ‘yes’ to questions
displayed on the screen.

 (prev.)
Moves cursor down list of menu choices; decreases numbers, changes letters to the
previous alphabetical letter, changes month to the previous month; answers ‘no’ to
questions displayed on screen.

 (change)
Moves dark shading from one section of the screen to the next; selects channels and
nuclides from a list.

ENTER (print)
Accepts current information on the screen; selects menu choice marked by cursor;
instructs system to make print-out.

POWER-UP SEQUENCE

When the CAPRAC-R is initially turned on, the start-up screen will display the copyright
information as shown in Figure 2-4 Startup Screen.

CAPRAC™-R

Rev X.XX
COPYRIGHT 1995
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CAPINTEC, INC. NJ USA

ENTER to Continue

Figure 2-4 Startup Screen

Note: The screen will display the revision level of the installed software.

WARM-UP

When the start-up screen appears, press ENTER to initialize the warm-up period and
operational settings.

Note: Capintec recommends that the CAPRAC-R remain on at all times; however, if the
power to the CAPRAC-R is turned off, it must be allowed to warm-up for a minimum
of 45-60 minutes prior to proceeding with any radiation measurements or calibration
settings. Failure to allow adequate warm-up time may result in erroneous results.

2-6 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

If a printer has been purchased with the unit, pressing the ENTER key will cause the printer
to reset.

TIME/DATE SET-UP

Pressing ENTER to initiate the warm-up period will bring up the current date screen as
shown in Figure 2-5 Current Date Screen. The time and date may be set during the warm-up
period.

DATE

JUL 08 06

   to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-5 Current Date Screen

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Use the  or  arrow keys to set the
correct month. When the correct month is displayed, use the  arrow key to highlight the
current day of the month. Use the  or  arrow keys to select the correct day of the month.
When the correct day of the month is displayed, use the  arrow key to highlight the year.
Repeat the process with the  or  arrow keys to select the correct year. When the correct
month, day and year is displayed, press the ENTER key.

TIME
When the ENTER key is pressed to accept the correct date, the current time screen appears
as shown in Figure 2-6 Current Time Screen.

March 10 08:45 2-7

   to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-6 Current Time Screen

INSTALLATION & SET-UP

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. To change the hour (08), press the  or
 arrow keys until the correct hour is displayed. When the correct hour is displayed, use the
 arrow key to highlight the current minute. Use the  or  arrow keys to set the correct
minutes.

Note: The CAPRAC-R runs on a 24-hour clock. 9:30 a.m. is set as 09:30. 1:30 p.m. is set
as 13:30.

When the correct time is displayed, press the ENTER key.

MAIN UTILITY MENU

When the ENTER key is pressed to accept the correct time, the Main Utility Menu will appear
as shown in Figure 2-7 Main Utility Menu. The Main Utility Menu is the starting point from
which all CAPRAC-R functions are initiated.

 COUNT
TESTS
SETUP
DIAGNOSTICS

 or  to change
ENTER to select

Figure 2-7 Main Utility Menu

To return to the Main Utility Menu after completing any CAPRAC-R function, press the UTIL
key.

Note: At times, it may be necessary to press the UTIL key twice, or press the WIPE key
before the UTIL key to return to the Main Utility Menu.

Use the  arrow key, move the  (cursor) to select SETUP as shown in Figure 2-8
Selection of ‘Setup’ from Main Utility Menu. Press the ENTER key.

2-8 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

COUNT

TESTS
 SETUP

DIAGNOSTICS

 or  to change
ENTER to select

Figure 2-8 Selection of ‘Setup’ from Main Utility Menu

Figure 2-9 Setup Menu will appear.

TIME
 AUTO CAL

OTHER

Figure 2-9 Setup Menu
Use the  arrow key to move the cursor to select OTHER. Press the ENTER key.

PASSWORD SCREEN

The Password Screen (as shown in Figure 2-10 Password Screen) will appear when
OTHER is selected. The user is required to enter a password to continue with the set-up
process. The password for the CAPRAC-R is the last three digits of the CAPRAC-R’s serial
number located on the back panel of the unit and is printed on the top of each CAPRAC-R
printout. For example, if the serial number is 123456, the password will be 456.

PASSWORD

000

   to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-10 Password Screen

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2-9

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Using the  or  arrow keys, set the first
number. When the first number has been set correctly, use the  arrow key to move to the
next number. Repeat the process to set the second and third number. When the correct
password is displayed, press the ENTER key. Figure 2-11 Other Setup Menu will appear.

 NUCLIDES
Ci/Bq
TRIGGER LEVEL
ACTIVITY CF
STD. SOURCE
RESET HV

Figure 2-11 Other Setup Menu

Use the  arrow key to move the cursor to select STD SOURCE. Press the ENTER key.
Figure 2-12 Nuclide Choice Menu will appear.

STANDARD REFERENCE SOURCE ENTRY

The CAPRAC®-R can be calibrated with either a Cs137 or Ba133 reference source. The
recommended activity for the reference source standard is 0.1-1.0 µCi (3.7-37 kBq).

The Nuclide Choice Menu allows the user to select the reference source.

CHOOSE NUCLIDE
CS 137
BA 133

Figure 2-12 Nuclide Choice Menu

Using the  or  arrow keys, highlight the correct reference source as shown in Figure 2-12
Nuclide Choice Menu. Press the ENTER key. Figure 2-13 Source Unit Screen will appear.

2 - 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

CALIB ACTIVITY:
ACTIVITY IN

Ci
Bq

Figure 2-13 Source Unit Screen

The standard reference source activity can be entered in Curies or Becquerels. Use the  or
 arrow keys to highlight Ci or Bq as shown in Figure 2-13 Source Unit Screen. Press the
ENTER key. Figure 2-14 Source Calibrated Activity Screen will appear.

CALIB ACTIVITY:

0.0000 µCi

   to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-14 Source Calibrated Activity Screen

The reference source activity is now input.
Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Using the  or  arrow keys, set the first
number. When the first number has been set correctly, use the  arrow key to move to the
next number. Repeat the process to set the calibrated activity of the reference source. When
the correct activity is displayed, press the ENTER key. Figure 2-15 Source Calibration Date
Screen will appear.

CALIB DATE:

JUL 09 06

   to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-15 Source Calibration Date Screen

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2 - 11

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

The reference source calibration date is now input.

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Use the  or  arrow keys set the
correct month. When the correct month is displayed, use the  arrow key to highlight the
current day of the month. Use the  or  arrow keys to select the correct day of the month.
When the correct day of the month is displayed, use the  arrow key to highlight the year.
Repeat the process with the  or  arrow keys to select the correct year. When the correct
month, day and year is displayed, press the ENTER key.

Depending on the selected reference source, the Standard Source Screen will display the
calibration information that has been entered as shown in (Fig. 16).

CS137
NOV 01 2006

.5160 µCi

OK?

Yes() or No():

Figure 2-16 Cesium Standard Source Screen

Press the arrow key to confirm that the standard reference source information has been
entered correctly. Figure 2-9 Setup Menu will appear.

DIAGNOSTICS

The Diagnostics feature performs internal diagnostic functions on the CAPRAC-R as well as
prints the list of the 68 factory-installed radionuclides and their corresponding information
(half-lives, conversion factors, etc.).

Press the WIPE and UTIL keys to return to Figure 2-17 Main Utility Menu.

 COUNT
TESTS
SETUP
DIAGNOSTICS

 to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-17 Main Utility Menu

2 - 12 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Use the  arrow key to select DIAGNOSTICS. Press the ENTER key. The system
immediately prints the radionuclide list and Figure 2-18 Diagnostics Screen is displayed.
Refer to Chapter 10: DIAGNOSTICS for a detailed description of Diagnostics.

DIAGNOSTICS

RAM: PASS
PROM:

PLEASE WAIT

Figure 2-18 Diagnostics Screen

Do NOT press any keys to end the Diagnostic function until the “PLEASE WAIT” message
disappears from the screen and Figure 2-19 Diagnostics Results Screen is displayed. The
printer may pause for a few seconds after printing the radionuclide list before printing the last
few lines of CAPRAC-R system diagnostic information. During this time, the CAPRAC-R is
checking the contents of its internal memories.

DIAGNOSTICS

RAM: PASS
PROM: PASS
D3D9 28D1 CD4C
4173 2048 FDBB
EEPROM: PASS
ENTER to Continue

Figure 2-19 Diagnostics Results Screen

The numbers listed below the PROM: PASS line are a check of the CAPRAC-R memory.
Depending on the version of software in the CAPRAC-R, the numbers shown in this manual
may differ from those on the CAPRAC-R screen.

Press the ENTER key to return to Figure 2-7 Main Utility Menu.

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2 - 13

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

BACKGROUND ACTIVITY

Each day before performing any measurement, and during the initial set-up of the unit, a
background activity count must be taken. Attempting to perform a wipe count before
measuring the background will prompt the “MEASURE BKG – or Press Other Key to
Continue” message to appear:

Note: To ensure an accurate background measurement, make sure that the CAPRAC-R
has been on for a minimum of 45-60 minutes and the ENTER key has been pressed
at least once.

With the detector empty, press the BKG key. Figure 2-20 Background Screen will appear.

BACKGROUND

After BKG measurement
Press , or ENTER
To Accept

ENTER to Continue

Figure 2-20 Background Screen

Press ENTER to continue. The Background Counting Period Screen will appear (Fig. 21).

BKG 60s

 or  to change
COUNT to Start

Figure 2-21 Background Counting Period Screen

The four choices for counting the background are 60, 180, 600 and 1800 seconds. Shading
indicates the active portion of the display. Using the  or  arrow keys, set the number of
seconds for the background count to 60s. When the correct time is displayed, press the
COUNT key. Either Figure 2-22 Background Count Screen (Graph Display) or Figure 2-23
Background Count Screen (Number Display) will appear.

2 - 14 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

k 660 cpm
e 400
V 200 24.00
12.00
100 12.00
84.00
48.00
60.00

Figure 2-22 Background Count Screen (Graph Display)

BKG 13s

89. c
552.8 cpm

Figure 2-23 Background Count Screen (Number Display)

The time counts down from the initial setting (e.g. 60s) to zero. Depending on the units
selected, the graph displays counts detected in each of the CAPRAC-R’s six channels. If
Curies are selected, counts will be displayed as counts per minute (cpm). If Becquerels are
selected, counts will be displayed as counts per second (cps). The horizontal bar graph
shows a comparison of the counts in each channel. The CAPRAC-R updates the bar graph
and cpm each second; therefore, the bar lengths and cpm values will change throughout the
counting period.

Changing the Screen Format between Graph and Number Display
During the counting period, the screen display can be changed from graph format to number
format by pressing the DISPLAY key. The display format can be changed from graph to
number format as often as desired without disrupting the counting period during background
or wipe test counting.

Stop/Start Background Count
The counting period is halted by pressing COUNT key; however, if the CAPRAC-R has been
counting for less than 20 seconds, the unit will continue counting until the minimum counting
period of 20 seconds has been reached. Pressing the COUNT key again will reset the
counting time to the original counting period (e.g. 60s) and the background measurement
starts over. At the end of the counting period, Figure 2-24 Final Background Count will
appear. To display the final background in graph form, press the DISPLAY key.

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2 - 15

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

BKG

495.0 cpm
± 22.5 cpm

Figure 2-24 Final Background Count

The background measurement must be saved in the CAPRAC-R’s memory by pressing the
ENTER key. As the system stores the background count, it will also print the information. The
paper strip (Figure 2-25 Final Background Count (Paper Strip)) can be saved in a record
book to document the background activity measurement.

Dec 8, 2006 10:13 60 sec
BACKGROUND

495.0 ± 22.0 cpm

Figure 2-25 Final Background Count (Paper Strip)

If the background count was stored in the CAPRAC-R memory from the graph display, the
paper strip will show the graph as well as the final count.

Generally, background activity should range from 300 to 600 cpm. Any readings exceeding
1000 cpm should be investigated.

2 - 16 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Exceeding Background Trigger Level

If the background activity exceeds the pre-set trigger level, the following message will
appear:

BKG TOO HIGH

ENTER to Continue

Figure 2-26 Background Too High Screen

Check the area for contamination. Contamination is most often found in the detector cavity or
liner, radioactive sources or radioactive patients in the immediate area or contaminated
gloves/hands. Once the contamination has been identified and eliminated, repeat the
background count by pressing the ENTER key.

If the background is still too high, verify that the trigger level has not been set too low
(CHAPTER 5: TRIGGER LEVELS; SECTION: SETTING COUNT LIMITS). Shielding the
CAPRAC-R with lead bricks is a useful technique to reduce background radiation in the
immediate area that might be detected by the CAPRAC-R.

Note: If all sources of contamination have been eliminated and the unit continues to exceed
the trigger level, the CAPRAC-R may not be functioning properly and the user should
contact Capintec’s Authorized Service Center at (412) 963-1988, FAX (412) 963-
0610.

To exit the background screen, press the WIPE key. Remember that the background count
must be saved into the CAPRAC-R memory by pressing the ENTER key before exiting the
program. Exiting the program before saving the background count will result in the CAPRAC-
R using the most recent background count. If a background count has not been recorded at
the beginning of the day, the screen will prompt “MEASURE BKG” when the WIPE key is
pressed.

AUTO CAL (CALIBRATION)

The CAPRAC-R automatically self-calibrates using the standard reference source previously
entered. This procedure must be performed during initial set-up and Capintec recommends
that it be performed DAILY thereafter.

 Press the WIPE and UTIL keys to return to the Main Utility Menu.

 Select SETUP and press the ENTER key.

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2 - 17

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

 From the Setup Menu, select AUTO CAL and press the ENTER key.
 Figure 2-27 Auto Cal Screen will appear directing the user to measure the selected

standard reference source previously entered.

AUTO CAL

MEASURE CS137

ENTER to Continue

Figure 2-27 Auto Cal Screen

 Place the selected standard reference source in the detector and press the ENTER
key. Figure 2-28 Auto Cal Counting Period Screen will appear:

20s

 or  to change
COUNT to Start

Figure 2-28 Auto Cal Counting Period Screen

 Press the COUNT key. The message “AUTO CAL IN PROGRESS – PLEASE WAIT”
will be displayed.

Figure 2-29 Auto Cal Count (Cs137) will appear as the CAPRAC-R begins counting the
reference source.

k 660 kcpm,n
e 400
V 200 0.39
40.70
100 49.20
61.40
39.36
80.43

Figure 2-29 Auto Cal Count (Cs137)

2 - 18 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

The CAPRAC-R may have to go through this counting period several times until the high
voltage is adjusted properly. Each time the CAPRAC-R changes the high voltage, it waits
three seconds before initiating another Auto Cal counting period; this delay allows the high
voltage time to settle.

During the Auto Cal procedure, you can press the DISPLAY key to change the display
screen from the bar graph to the number display. The number display will show the total
number of net counts (C) and the disintegrations per minute (dpm).

Refer to CHAPTER 9: PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION for further information
regarding the Auto Cal procedure.

REPEAT BACKGROUND COUNT AFTER AUTO CAL

Since the Auto Cal adjusts the gain which may affect the count distribution in each channel
as well as affect low-level wipes, a second background MUST be performed after the Auto
Cal procedure is complete. Remember that the background count must be saved into the
CAPRAC-R memory by pressing the ENTER key before exiting the program.

CONVERSION FACTORS

Conversion Factors (CF) are constants used to convert measurements in counts per minute
(cpm) to disintegrations per minute (dpm). The CAPRAC-R calculates dpm values by
multiplying the cpm measurement by the conversion factor of a specific radionuclide. To
make this calculation, the CF of the specific radionuclide must be stored in the CAPRAC-R’s
memory.

The CAPRAC-R calculates the conversion factor by measuring the count rate (in cpm) from a
calibrated source. Because the source has a known activity, the CAPRAC-R can calculate
the dpm value of that source. The dpm value is then divided by the cpm value to determine
the conversion factor (CF) for that radionuclide.

CF for radionuclide  disintegrations per minute
counts per minute

Measure CF Value
The conversion factor for a standard reference source (Cs137 or Ba133) used to calibrate
the CAPRAC-R must be measured (recommended) or input.

To measure a standard reference source to determine the conversion factor in the CAPRAC-
R, press the WIPE and UTIL keys to return to Figure 2-17 Main Utility Menu.

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2 - 19

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Use the  arrow key to move the cursor to SETUP. Press the ENTER key. Figure 2-30
Setup Menu will appear.

TIME
 AUTO CAL

OTHER

Figure 2-30 Setup Menu

Use the  arrow key to move the cursor to select OTHER. Press the ENTER key. Figure 2-
31 Password Screen will appear.

PASSWORD

000

   to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-31 Password Screen

Enter the password (the last three digits of the unit’s serial number). Press the ENTER key.
Figure 2-32 Other Setup Menu will appear.

 NUCLIDES
Ci/Bq
TRIGGER LEVEL
ACTIVITY CF
STD. SOURCE
RESET HV

Figure 2-32 Other Setup Menu

Select ACTIVITY CF and press the ENTER key. Figure 2-33 Select Nuclide Screen will
appear.

2 - 20 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Nuclide:

I 131

CF key for generic
   to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-33 Select Nuclide Screen

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Use the  or  arrow keys to select the
first letter of the standard reference source. Use the  arrow key to highlight the next letter.
Repeat the process using the  or  arrow keys to select the appropriate letter or number
and the  arrow key to move to the next space. When the correct standard reference source
is displayed, press the ENTER key.

If a Conversion Factor for the selected standard reference source has already been stored in
the unit, Figure 2-34 Standard Reference Source CF Data Screen will appear. If a CF has
not been stored for this nuclide, Figure 2-35 CF Menu will appear.

Nuclide:

CS137
CF: 6.30
CH: 3 4 5

OK?
Yes() or No():

Figure 2-34 Standard Reference Source CF Data Screen

The  arrow key accepts the CF value for this standard reference source. The  arrow key
rejects the CF data. Press the  arrow and the ENTER keys. Figure 2-35 CF Menu will
appear.

 INPUT CF
MEASURE CF

March 10 Figure 2-35 CF Menu 2 - 21

INSTALLATION & SET-UP

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Select MEASURE CF and press the ENTER key. Figure 2-36 Nuclide Unit Screen will
appear.

CALIB ACTIVITY:
ACTIVITY IN

Ci
Bq

Figure 2-36 Nuclide Unit Screen

Use the  or  arrow keys to highlight Ci or Bq. Press the ENTER key. Figure 2-37 Nuclide
Calibrated Activity Screen will appear.

CALIB ACTIVITY:

0.0000 µCi

   to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-37 Nuclide Calibrated Activity Screen

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Use the  or  arrow keys and the 
arrow key to input the activity of the standard reference source. The calibrated activity of the
standard reference source should be in the range of 0.1-1.0 µCi (3.7-37 kBq). When the
correct activity is displayed, press the ENTER key. Figure 2-38 Standard Reference Source
Calibration Date Screen will appear.

CALIB DATE:

JUL 09 06

   to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-38 Standard Reference Source Calibration Date Screen

2 - 22 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Use the  or  arrow keys and the 
arrow key to input the date of the standard reference source. When the correct date is
displayed, press the ENTER key. Figure 2-39 Standard Reference Source Calibration Time
Screen will appear.

CALIB TIME:

12:00

   to change
ENTER to accept

Figure 2-39 Standard Reference Source Calibration Time Screen

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Use the  or  arrow keys and the 
arrow keys to input the time of the standard reference source. When the correct time is
displayed, press the ENTER key.

Note: Because Cs137 and Ba133 have a long half-life; unless an actual calibration time has
been noted on the standard reference source, using a 12:00 calibration time is
acceptable.

CS137
.1080µCi

OCT 10 2006
12:00

OK?
Yes() or No():

Figure 2-40 Calibration Data Screen

Figure 2-40 Calibration Data Screen will appear showing the standard reference source data
entered. If the information is not correct, press the  arrow key and the system will return
Figure 2-36 Nuclide Unit Screen.

If the displayed information is correct, press the  arrow key. Figure 2-41 Measure Nuclide
Source Screen.

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2 - 23

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

MEASURE SOURCE

ENTER to Continue

Figure 2-41 Measure Nuclide Source Screen
Place the standard reference source in the detector and press the ENTER key. Figure 2-42
Nuclide Counting Period Screen will appear:

20s

 or  to change
COUNT to Start

Figure 2-42 Nuclide Counting Period Screen

Press the COUNT key. Figure 2-43 Nuclide Count Screen (Graph Display) will appear
showing the number of counts in each of CAPRAC-R’s six channels. The remaining seconds
of the counting period is displayed at the top of the screen. The number of net counts (in
cpm) is updated each second.

k 660 kcpm,n
e 400
V 200 0.39
40.70
100 49.20
61.40
39.36
80.43

Figure 2-43 Nuclide Count Screen (Graph Display)

During the counting period, press the DISPLAY key to change the display screen from the
bar graph to the number display (as shown in Figure 2-44 Wipe Count Screen (Number

2 - 24 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Display)). The number display will show the total number of net counts (C) and the counts
per minute (cpm).

13s

36.60kc
66.37kcpm

Figure 2-44 Wipe Count Screen (Number Display)

At the end of the counting period, Figure 2-45 Channel Assignment Screen will appear.

 to select channels

 CH 1 CH 4
CH 2 CH 5
CH 3 CH 6

ENTER when finished

Figure 2-45 Channel Assignment Screen

The Channel Assignment Screen permits the selection of the channels that will be used to
determine the conversion factor. More than one channel may be selected, as necessary.

If the standard reference source is Cs137, channels 4 and 5 should be used to determine the
conversion factor. Press the  arrow key to move the cursor to channel 4. Shading indicates
the selected channel. Press the  arrow key to select channel 4. The cursor will
automatically move to the next channel. Press the  arrow key to select channel 5.

If the standard reference source is Ba133, channels 1, 2, 3 and 4 should be used to
determine the conversion factor. Shading indicates the selected channel. Press the  arrow
key to select channel 1. The cursor will automatically move to the next channel. Press the 
arrow key to select channels 2, 3 and 4.

Note: If a channel is selected in error, place the cursor next to the highlighted (incorrect)
channel and press the  arrow key to deselect the incorrect channel.

When the correct channels have been selected (highlighted), press the ENTER key. Figure
2-46 Nuclide CF Data Screen will appear.

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2 - 25

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

CS137

CF: 12.31
CH: 4 5

OK?
Yes() or No():

Figure 2-46 Nuclide CF Data Screen

Press the  arrow key to accept the data, press the  arrow key if the data is incorrect and
revisions are required.

Repeat AUTO CAL and Background

 Press the WIPE and UTIL keys to return to the Main Utility Menu.
 Select SETUP, press the ENTER key.
 From the Setup Menu, select AUTO CAL.
 Press the ENTER key.
 Place the Cs137 or Ba133 standard reference source in the detector.
 Press the ENTER key.
 Press the COUNT key. At the conclusion of the Auto Cal protocol, the calibration data

are printed on the paper strip.
 Press the ENTER key twice to return to the Main Utility Menu.
 Repeat and save the background count:

o Press the WIPE key.
o Press the BKG key.
o Press the ENTER key.
o Set the counting period to 60 seconds.
o Press the COUNT key.
o At the conclusion of the counting period, press the ENTER key to save the

new background count.

TEST (of Calibration)

The Test function calculates the ratio of counts in certain channels to determine if the
instrument is properly calibrated; compares the difference between the calculated and
measured activity of the reference source and determines the ratio of specific channels to
assure that the noise level of the instrument meets manufacturer specifications (Refer to
CHAPTER 9: PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION for a detailed explanation of the Test
procedure).

2 - 26 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

Press the WIPE and UTIL keys to return to Figure 2-47 Main Utility Menu.

 COUNT
TESTS
SETUP
DIAGNOSTICS

 or  to change
ENTER to select

Figure 2-47 Main Utility Menu

Use the  arrow key to select TESTS. Press the ENTER key. The Tests Menu will appear as
shown in Figure 2-48 Tests Menu.

 DAILY
BLOOD TESTS
SCHILLING TEST
MDA TEST

 or  to change
ENTER to select

Figure 2-48 Tests Menu

Use the  arrow key to select DAILY. Press the ENTER key.
Depending on the standard reference source selected, one of the following screens will
appear:

TEST
MEASURE CS137

ENTER to Continue

Figure 2-49a Cs137 Test Screen

March 10 INSTALLATION & SET-UP 2 - 27

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

TEST
MEASURE BA133

ENTER to Continue

Figure 2-49b Ba133 Test Screen

Place the appropriate reference source in the detector and press the ENTER key. Figure 2-
50 Test Counting Period Screen will appear.

20s

 or  to change
COUNT to Start

Figure 2-50 Test Counting Period Screen

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Use the  or  arrow keys to set the
number of seconds for the Test procedure. The five choices for counting are 20, 60, 180, 600
and 1800 seconds. When the correct time is displayed, press the COUNT key.

Figure 2-51 Test Count Screen (Graph Display) will appear. The time on the bar graph will
count down from the initial setting (e.g. 60s) to zero. The graph will display counts detected
in each of the CAPRAC-R’s six channels. The CAPRAC-R updates the bar graph and cpm
each second; therefore, the bar lengths and cpm values will change throughout the counting
period.

k 660 kcpm,n
e 400
V 200 0.39
40.70
100 49.20
61.40
39.36
80.43

Figure 2-51 Test Count Screen (Graph Display)

2 - 28 INSTALLATION & SET-UP March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

To view the Test information in a number format (as shown in Figure 2-52 Test Count
Screen (Number Display)), press the DISPLAY key. The number display shows total counts
(C) and the rate of disintegrations per minute (dpm). The CAPRAC-R calculates dpm by
multiplying the counts per minute by the conversion factor (CF) for the unit’s standard
reference source.

13s

36.60kc
66.37kcpm

Figure 2-52 Test Count Screen (Number Display)

When the Test procedure is complete, the system prints a paper strip that illustrates the
calculated versus measured activity of the reference source and the ratio of counts in certain
CAPRAC-R channels.

Test results that fall outside an accepted measurement will be displayed in RED on the
printed paper strip and BOLD on the display screen. When test results fall outside an
acceptable range, perform the Auto Cal function (discussed in the previous section of this
chapter) prior to counting any wipe samples.

The last line on the print-out gives a number called the ‘GAIN REFERENCE’. The gain
reference is the setting for the internal pulse height analyzer. The accepted range for this
number is 0-4095. If a service call is made, the Capintec’s Authorized Service Center may
ask for the most recent gain reference number from the Test function.

The CAPRAC-R is now ready for use.

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

CHAPTER 3

GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

DAILY REQUIREMENTS

On a daily basis the following procedures must be performed prior to the first measurement
with the CAPRAC®-R:

 Power-up/warm-up
Note: Capintec recommends that the CAPRAC-R remain ON at all times

 Background count

 Auto-Cal

 Test of Calibration

WEEKLY REQUIREMENTS

On a weekly basis, the following calibration procedure must be performed:
 Repeat Auto-Cal
 Repeat background count

POWER-UP/WARM-UP

If power to the CAPRAC-R is turned off, the unit will require a 45-60 minute warm-up period
prior to use. To turn the unit on, press the vertical line on the on/off switch located on the
back panel of the unit. Press the ENTER key when the CAPRAC-R Startup Screen showing
the copyright information is displayed.

During the warm-up period, verify that the current time and date are correct. If corrections
are necessary, use the  or  arrow keys to make the necessary changes and the  arrow
key to move to the next digit or letter. Press ENTER to accept the displayed data.

BACKGROUND

Each day before performing any measurement a background activity count must be taken.
Attempting to perform a wipe count before measuring the background will prompt Figure 3-1
Measure Background Message Screen to appear:

March 10 GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 3-1

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

MEASURE BKG

Figure 3-1 Measure Background Message Screen

Note: To ensure an accurate background measurement, make sure that the CAPRAC-R
has been on for a minimum of 45-60 minutes and the ENTER key has been pressed
at least once.

Measure Background
 With the detector empty, press the BKG key. The Background Screen will appear.
 Press the ENTER key to continue. The Background Counting Period Screen will
appear.
 Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Using the  or  arrow keys, set
the number of seconds for the background reading. The four choices for counting are
60, 180, 600 and 1800 seconds.
 Press the COUNT key to initiate the background counting period.
 At the conclusion of the counting period, press the ENTER key to save the
background counts.
Note: The background measurement must be saved daily in the CAPRAC-R’s
memory by pressing the ENTER key.

Generally, background activity should range from 300 to 600 cpm. Any readings exceeding
1000 cpm should be investigated.

Exceeding Background Trigger Level
If the background activity exceeds the pre-set trigger level, the following message will
appear:

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

BKG TOO HIGH

ENTER to Continue

Figure 3-2 Background Too High Screen

Check the area for contamination. Contamination is most often found in the detector cavity or
liner, radioactive sources or radioactive patients in the immediate area or contaminated
gloves/hands. Once the contamination has been identified and eliminated, repeat the
background count by pressing the ENTER key.

If the background is still too high, verify that the trigger level has not been set too low
(CHAPTER 5: TRIGGER LEVELS: SETTING COUNT LIMITS). Shielding the CAPRAC-R
with lead bricks is a useful technique to reduce background radiation in the immediate area
that might be detected by the CAPRAC-R.

Note: If all sources of contamination have been eliminated and the unit continues to exceed
the trigger level, the CAPRAC-R may not be functioning properly and the user should
contact Capintec’s Authorized Service Center at (412) 963-1988, FAX (412) 963-
0610.

TEST (of Calibration)

Each day the CAPRAC®-R must be tested to confirm that its calibration and other internal
operations are working properly. Refer to CHAPTER 9: PERFORMANCE AND
CALIBRATION for a complete description of Test of Calibration.

 Press the WIPE and UTIL keys until the Main Utility Menu is displayed.
 Use the  arrow key to move the cursor to TESTS.
 Press the ENTER key to display the Tests Menu.
 Verify that the cursor is at DAILY.
 Press the ENTER key to display the selected standard reference source to be used.
 Place the appropriate reference source in the detector.
 Press the ENTER key to display the Test Counting Period Screen.
 Using the  or  arrow keys, select the counting time.
 Press the COUNT key to initiate the Test protocol.

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

 Review the data on printed paper strip (if a printer is included with the system) or data
displayed on the CAPRAC-R screen to determine if any measurements fall outside
the acceptable range.

 If measurements fall outside the acceptable range, perform Auto Cal.

AUTO CAL (CALIBRATION)

When the daily TEST procedure identifies an unacceptably high deviation, indicted by an
error message on the display screen or a deviation printed in red on the paper strip (if a
printer is included with the system), the Auto Cal procedure must be performed.

The Auto Cal procedure allows the CAPRAC-R to automatically self-calibrate using the
standard reference source.

 Press the WIPE and UTIL keys to return to the Main Utility Menu.

 Select SETUP and press the ENTER key.

 From the Setup Menu, select AUTO CAL and press the ENTER key.

 Place the Cs137 or Ba133 standard reference source in the detector and press the
ENTER key.

 Press the COUNT key to initiate the Auto Cal protocol.

 At the conclusion of the Auto Cal protocol the calibration data are printed on the
paper strip (if a printer is included with the system) and the screen.

Repeat Background Count after Auto Cal
Since the Auto Cal adjusts the gain which may affect the count distribution in each channel
as well as affect low-level wipes, a second background MUST be performed after the Auto
Cal procedure is complete. Remember, the background count must be saved into the
CAPRAC-R memory by pressing the ENTER key before exiting the program.

GRAPH COUNT DISPLAY

The CAPRAC-R discriminates between counts in six energy level ranges, or six channels:

Channel Energy Range in keV

1 15 to 100
2 100 to 200
3 200 to 400
4 400 to 660
5 660 to 800
6 > 800

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

When the CAPRAC-R displays count data in the graph format, it is displaying how many
counts are detected in each channel as shown in Figure 3-3 Graph Display of Counts.

Note: With the exception of background activity, for all measurements displayed in the
graph mode, the CAPRAC-R indicates net, NOT total counts.

k 660 cpm
e 400
V 200 24.00
12.00
100 12.00
84.00
48.00
60.00

Figure 3-3 Graph Display of Counts

The CAPRAC-R automatically subtracts the background in each channel to calculate net
counts. Net counts are indicated on the screen and the printouts (if a printer is included with
the system) with an ‘n’ after the unit (e.g. cpm,n).

PRINTOUTS

If a printer is included with the system, the CAPRAC-R printer makes printouts of wipe tests
results, calibration and other measurements. Use the ENTER key to instruct the system to
print these data. The printer uses red ink to indicate measurements that exceed count limits
or trigger levels. See CHAPTER 12: THE PRINTER and CHAPTER 5: TRIGGER LEVELS;
SECTION: SETTING COUNT LIMITS for additional information.

DETECTING SPECIFIC RADIONUCLIDES IN A WIPE TEST

The CAPRAC-R is not designed to identify specific isotopes in a wipe sample; however, it
can narrow down the possibilities. The six-channel discriminator can be used to discriminate
between pulses of various amplitudes, or energy levels. As the CAPRAC-R counts a sample,
it keeps track of how many pulses are detected within each channel. Since each radionuclide
emits radiation with a characteristic energy, the CAPRAC-R can help to determine which
isotope is present in a sample. For example, Technetium-99m (Tc99m) has a gamma energy
peak at 140 keV; therefore, a sample that triggers a high count reading in CAPRAC-R
channel 2 could indicate Tc99m contamination. Similarly, Indium-111 (In111) has gamma
energy peaks at 171 and 245 keV. A wipe sample that shows high counts in CAPRAC-R’s
channels 2 and 3 could indicate In111 contamination.

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®-R

FACTORS AFFECTING RADIATION MEASUREMENTS

Geometry

Geometry is the spatial relationship of the radioactive sample to the detector. Radiation is
emitted in all directions; only a portion of the radioactivity is detected by the crystal. Some
radiation will be emitted upwards and some radiation will pass through the detector without
interacting with the crystal. For this reason, it is important to maintain consistent geometry
when measuring radioactive samples.

Techniques to maintain consistent geometry include:

 Using the same wipe material (e.g. gauze pad, cotton swab, cloth disks, etc.) for each
sample.

 Placing the wipe sample in the well at the same depth each day (e.g. at the bottom of
the well).

It is important to establish a consistent wipe protocol to assure that data is comparable and
reproducible from day to day.

CONVERSION FROM CPM TO DPM

The CAPRAC-R can convert a measurement done in counts per minute (cpm) to
disintegrations per minute (dpm). This feature can be used by inputting the conversion
factor(s) or having the CAPRAC-R calculate conversion factors for certain radionuclides. See
CHAPTER 6: CONVERSION FACTORS FOR NUCLIDES.

COUNTING STATISTICS

Disintegration of radioisotopes is a random process. Successive counts of the same sample
of a long-lived isotope will give different results for each counting period. The CAPRAC-R
assumes that a ‘true count rate’ exists and that there is a good chance (63%) that it is within
one standard deviation of the total counts measured. On all measurements, the CAPRAC-R
takes this range of possible values into account and displays the results accordingly. Based
on a Poisson distribution, the standard deviation is calculated as the square root of the total
counts.

Results are displayed on the CAPRAC-R screen and on the strip printout (if a printer is
included with the system) as total counts plus or minus the standard deviation. For example,
if the CAPRAC-R measures background activity at 625 counts per minute (cpm), the result is
displayed as 625 ± 25. Counting periods can range from 6 seconds to 30 minutes. For
counting periods other than 1 minute, the CAPRAC-R calculates the range of possible count
rates based on the total counts and then performs the necessary calculation to reflect counts
per minute.

Note: As a general rule, the longer the counting period, the better the counting statistics.

3-6 GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTION March 10


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