CAPRAC Manual

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Use the © or ª 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 9-4 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’s six channels. The CAPRAC 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 9-4 Test Count Screen (Graph Display)

To view the Test information in a number format (as shown in Figure 9-5 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 calculates dpm by multiplying the
counts per minute by the conversion factor (CF) for the unit’s standard reference source.

38s

52.20kc
120.17kcpm

Figure 9-5 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 channels. If the screen display was in the graph format at the conclusion of the
counting period, the paper strip will look similar to Figure 9-6 Final Test Count, Cs137
(Paper Strip).

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

Figure 9-6 Final Test Count, Cs137 (Paper Strip)

If the screen display was in the number format at the conclusion of the counting period, total
counts and the rate in dpm will be printed on the paper strip and the horizontal bar graph will
be excluded.

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

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 next 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.

For CAPRAC users that do not use the optional printer, the same print-out information is
displayed in segments (as shown in the following figures). When a measurement exceeds
trigger levels, the number is shaded on the screen as shown in Figure 9-6 Final Test Count,
Cs137 (Paper Strip).

CS137: 106.6 nCi
MEASD: 91.1 nCi

DEVIATION: -13.9%

ENTER to Continue

Figure 9-7 First Test Results Screen

ENERGY
DEVIATION: 5.8%

GAIN REF: 1355

ENTER to Continue

Figure 9-8 Second Test Results Screen

Ch1/(Ch4+Ch5): 1.01
Measures as: 0.98
Deviation: -2.9%
ENTER to Continue

Figure 9-9 Third Test Results Screen

August 07 PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION 9-5

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

TRIGGER LEVELS

WIPE:2000.0 dpm
UNRESTRICT: 200.0 dpm

SEALED: 5.0 nCi
BACKGROUND:1000.0 cpm

ENTER to Continue

Figure 9-10 Fourth Test Results Screen

Calibration Ratios

The CAPRAC calculates ratios of counts in channels as determined by the reference source
selected. Cesium-137 has an energy peak of 662 keV (the appropriate boundary between
channels 4 and 5). The expected ratio between the number of counts in channel 4 and
channel 5 is 0.7. The CAPRAC calculates the channel 4/5 ratio and converts that number to
percent energy deviation. Similarly, the expected ratio of channel 3 and 4 for Ba-133 is 0.9.
The CAPRAC will calculate this ratio and will convert the number to percent energy
deviation.

The Test feature also compares the difference between the calculated and measured activity
of the reference source and prints this information on the paper strip or reports the findings
on Figure 9-7 First Test Results Screen.

Finally, the Test function determines the ratio of channel 1 to either channel 4 plus 5 (for Cs-
137) or channel 3 plus 4 (for Ba-133) to determine that the noise level of the CAPRAC is
below the specified limit.

Table 9-1 CAPRAC Calibration Limits:

Test Function Findings Reported As:

Activity > 10% deviation Value prints in RED
> 99% deviation Error Message appears
Reference Source > 2.5% deviation Value prints in RED
Energy Change > 5% deviation Error Message appears
Channel 1 Ratio to > 20% deviation Value prints in RED
Channel 4+5 or 3+4 >500% deviation Error Message appears

If the Test function measurements exceed expected parameters in any area, the CAPRAC
will need to be recalibrated with the Auto Cal function.

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

AUTO CAL – CAPRAC SELF CALIBRATION

The CAPRAC calculates ratios of the counts in certain channels to assess if the instrument is
properly calibrated. Cs137 has an energy peak of 662 keV (the approximate boundary
between channels 4 and 5). The ratio of counts detected for channel 4 to channel 5 should
be 0.7. Similarly, since Ba133 has an energy peak around 400 keV (the boundary between
channels 3 and 4), the expected ratio of counts for channel 3 to channel 4 should be 0.9. The
CAPRAC calculates the expected channel ratio and converts this value to percent keV
change, or energy deviation.

If the counts in these channels to not meet the expected ratio, the CAPRAC adjusts the
internal high voltage until the ratio is correct.

The Auto Cal function is performed:
• at the time of installation,
• when standard reference sources are changed, and
• when any TEST function measurement falls outside acceptable limits.

To initiate the Auto Cal program, press the WIPE and UTIL keys to display Figure 9-11 Main
Utility Menu.

f COUNT
TEST
SETUP
DIAGNOSTICS

µ or ¶ to change
ENTER to select

Figure 9-11 Main Utility Menu

Use the ª arrow key to select SETUP. Press the ENTER key. Figure 9-12 Setup Menu will
appear.

TIME
AUTO CAL
f OTHER

Figure 9-12 Setup Menu
Use the ª arrow key to move the cursor to select AUTO CAL. Press the ENTER key.

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

Figure 9-13 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 9-13 Auto Cal Screen

The CAPRAC self-calibrates with a Cs137 or Ba133 standard reference source. The
calibrated activity of the source should be in the range of 0.1-1.0 µCi (3.7-37 kBq).
Place the appropriate reference source in the detector and press the ENTER key. Figure 9-
14 Auto Cal Counting Period Screen will appear.

20s

µ or ¶ to change
COUNT to Start

Figure 9-14 Auto Cal Counting Period Screen

Shading indicates the active portion of the display. Using the © or ª arrow keys, set the
number of seconds for the AUTO CAL procedure. The five choices for counting are 20, 60,
180, 600 and 1800 seconds. When the correct time is displayed, press the COUNT key to
begin the AUTO CAL procedure. The message” AUTO CAL IN PROGRESS – PLEASE
WAIT” will be displayed.

Figure 9-15 Auto Cal Count (Cs137) will appear as the CAPRAC begins counting the
reference source.

9-8 PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION August 07

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

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

Figure 9-15 Auto Cal Count (Cs137)

If an internal adjustment is required, the CAPRAC will automatically adjust the high voltage,
and then the counting period will begin again. Numerous counting periods may be performed
as the CAPRAC adjusts the high voltage to meet the required specifications. Between high
voltage adjustments, the unit will wait three seconds to give the high voltage time to adjust,
and then begin another Auto Cal counting period.

Pressing the DISPLAY key will change the display from bar graph display to total number of
net counts (C) and disintegrations per minute (dpm).

When the system has completed the calibration process, the data will be printed on the
paper strip (Fig. 16) and the main screen will return to the Main Utility Menu.

August 07 PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION 9-9

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

Figure 9-16 Final Auto Cal Results (Paper Strip)

Gain Reference
The Gain Reference is the number between 0 and 4095 that represents the setting of the
high voltage. The CAPRAC is calibrated at Capintec’s Authorized Service Center. If your
CAPRAC requires service, the Gain Reference number can help to diagnose the problem.
Variables that affect the gain reference include:

• Temperature,
• Aging of the detector, and
• Geometry of the calibration source.

Repeat Background Count after Auto Cal
The Auto Cal procedure adjusts the gain in the CAPRAC. The gain adjustment may affect
the count distribution in each channel; therefore, the background count MUST be repeated
after completing the Auto Cal procedure. Remember that the background count must be
saved into the CAPRAC memory by pressing the ENTER key before exiting the program.

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

Auto Cal Limits
The auto calibration limits for energy deviation are: <1%

The following tables list the channel ratio limits for Cs137 and Ba133.

Table 9-2 Channel ratio limits for Cesium-137

CHANNEL RATIO LIMITS

CH1/(CH4 + CH5) 0.63 to 1.35
CH6/(CH4 + CH5) ≤ 0.02

Table 9-3 Channel ratio limits for Barium-133

CHANNEL RATIO LIMITS

CH1/(CH3 + CH4) 0.84 to 1.8
CH6/(CH3 + CH4) ≤ 0.02

Auto Calibration Errors

There are several conditions that would cause the CAPRAC to fail Auto Cal:

• Using the wrong standard reference source during calibration,

• Removing the standard reference source during calibration,

• The presence of another source near the detector during calibration,

• System malfunction.

If the unit calibrates, but finds a ratio for either Cs137 or Ba133 outside the allowable limit,
the printout will display the unacceptable ratios in RED and include the word “ERROR”.
Check that the proper reference source is in the well, that no other sources are nearby and
repeat the calibration procedure. If the problem persists, contact Capintec’s Authorized
Service Center.

The message “ERROR: TOO MANY COUNTS UPPER CHANNEL – SEE MANUAL” will be
displayed if the unit calibrates, but finds an excessive number of counts in the upper
channels. This error is usually caused by the use of the wrong reference source during
calibration. If the correct reference source was used and this problem persists, contact
Capintec’s Authorized Service Center.

The message “SOURCE IS TOO WEAK” will be displayed when the count rate measured in
all channels added together does not exceed 5000 cpm. This low count rate is usually the
result of not placing the standard reference source in the detector, or when the standard
reference source is too weak. The recommended activity for a standard reference source is
0.1-1.0 µCi (3.7-37 kBq). If the correct standard reference source with the appropriate activity

August 07 PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION 9 - 11

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

has been placed in the detector and the message continues to be displayed, contact
Capintec’s Authorized Service Center.

The message “AUTO CALIBRATION OUT OF RANGE – SEE MANUAL” will be displayed if
the unit is unable to calibrate. This error can be caused by the following:

• Use of the wrong standard reference source during calibration,
• A large shift in calibration that the CAPRAC is unable to recover from, or
• Operation of the CAPRAC in an environment that exceeds the recommended

ambient operating temperature range.

If this error persists, contact Capintec’s Authorized Service Center.

9 - 12 PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION August 07

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

CHAPTER 10

DIAGNOSTICS

The Diagnostics feature on the CAPRAC® performs two primary functions:
1. Prints a list of the 68 factory installed radionuclides and their corresponding half-lives
as well as the conversion factors and channel assignment built-in or selected by the
user. Additionally, any user-defined nuclides that have been added to the system,
including their conversion factors and assigned channels will be included on the
paper strip print-out.
2. Performs internal diagnostic functions on the unit.

To perform the diagnostic function, press the WIPE and UTIL keys to display Figure 10-1
Main Utility Menu.

f COUNT
TEST
SETUP
DIAGNOSTICS

µ or ¶ to change
ENTER to select

Figure 10-1 Main Utility Menu

Select DIAGNOSTICS and press the ENTER key. The system immediately prints the
radionuclide list (Figure 10-2 Diagnostics Printout) and Figure 10-3 Diagnostics Screen is
displayed.

August 07 DIAGNOSTICS 10 - 1

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

10 - 2 Figure 10-2 Diagnostics Printout August 07

DIAGNOSTICS

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

DIAGNOSTICS

RAM: PASS
PROM:

PLEASE WAIT

Figure 10-3 Diagnostics Screen

Do NOT press any keys to end the Diagnostic function until the “PLEASE WAIT” message
disappears from the screen and the final report (Figure 10-4 Diagnostics Screen) is
displayed. The printer may pause for a few seconds after printing the radionuclide list before
printing the last few lines of CAPRAC system diagnostic information. During this time, the
CAPRAC is checking the contents of its internal memories.

DIAGNOSTICS

RAM: PASS
PROM: PASS
5758 28D1 CD4C
4173 0F75 FDBB
EEPROM: PASS
ENTER to Continue

Figure 10-4 Diagnostics Screen

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

Press the ENTER key to return to Figure 10-1 Main Utility Menu.

Note: If the final report displayed (Figure 10-4 Diagnostics Screen) contains the word
“FAIL” for the RAM, PROM, or EEPROM line, the CAPRAC is malfunctioning. Please
contact Capintec’s Authorized Service Center in Pittsburgh, phone: (412) 963-1988,
FAX (412) 963-0610.

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

CHAPTER 11

ACCEPTANCE AND QUALITY
ASSURANCE TESTS

GENERAL

To insure proper operation of the CAPRAC®, Capintec recommends that the following
procedures be performed at the intervals indicated in Table 1.

Additionally, it is recommended that periodic (every five years) re-calibration of the unit be
performed by Capintec to guarantee that the instrument’s high reliability is maintained.

ACCEPTANCE TESTS

The following tests must be performed – in the following order – before the initial use of the
CAPRAC:

 Diagnostics
 Background
 Auto Cal
 Measure CF
 Auto Cal
 Test

Diagnostic Test

Diagnostics is a system diagnostic test that assesses the instrument’s memories and
programs. The procedure takes approximately 1 to 2 minutes. The results are printed and
displayed on the CAPRAC display screen. If any of the results (RAM, PROM or EEPROM)
fail, contact Capintec’s Authorized Service Center. Refer to CHAPTER 10: CAPRAC
DIAGNOSTICS, for detailed information regarding the Diagnostic test.

Background

Before initial use and on a daily basis, the background test must be performed prior to
counting any wipe samples on the CAPRAC. The procedure takes approximately 1 minute.
Refer to CHAPTER 3: GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS, for detailed information
regarding the Background test.

March 10 ACCEPTANCE & QA TESTS 11 - 1

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

Auto Cal

Before initial use and on a daily basis, Auto Cal should be performed. The test takes
approximately 3-8 minutes depending on the number of high voltage adjustments required.
Refer to CHAPTER 9: PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION, for a detailed description of
the Auto Cal procedure.

Test

Before initial use and at the beginning of each work day, a Test of calibration should be
performed. The procedure takes approximately 2 minutes. See CHAPTER 9:
PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION, for a detailed description of the Test procedure.

QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTS

The following table summarizes the recommended quality assurance tests and time intervals
for the CAPRAC wipe test monitor:

Table 11-1 Recommended Quality Assurance Test Intervals

DESCRIPTION DAILY INTERVAL QUARTERLY
X WEEKLY X
Test X
Background X X X
Auto Cal X X
Diagnostics X
Contamination Test X

Contamination Test

Contamination of the well liner can be a primary cause of erroneous wipe results on the
CAPRAC. To minimize the potential for error, a test for contamination should be performed at
the beginning of each work day prior to performing the first wipe measurement and on a
weekly basis at the end of the work day.

1. Confirm that the well liner is in place and the well detector is empty.
2. Press WIPE, BKG, ENTER and then COUNT.
3. Record the total counts per minute displayed on the screen (liner counts).
4. Remove the well liner.
5. Repeat the test by pressing WIPE, BKG, ENTER and then COUNT.
6. Record the total counts per minute displayed on the screen (empty well counts).
7. Subtract the liner counts from the empty well counts to determine the net counts per

minute from possible contamination of the well liner:

11 - 2 ACCEPTANCE & QA TESTS March 10

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

Liner counts (cpm) - Empty Well count (cpm)  Net Well Counts *

* If the net well counts are >100 cpm, the well liner should be decontaminated or replaced.

CAUTION

Never use the CAPRAC without a well liner. Liners are inexpensive and easy to replace.
A contaminated detector is a very costly mistake.

March 10 ACCEPTANCE & QA TESTS 11 - 3



CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

CHAPTER 12

THE PRINTER

The Capintec CAPRAC® comes with an optional printer (Epson Model TM-U220D). The
printer comes with a separate owner’s manual (“Installation Guide”) that includes instructions
on loading new paper and ribbons.

When operating the CAPRAC, the printer should be turned on. The green POWER light on
the front panel should be lit. If the POWER light is not on, check the printer’s on/off switch
and the cables that connect the printer to the electrical power supply.

To advance the paper strip, press the FEED keypad until the paper moves to the desired
length.

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

CHAPTER 13

ERROR AND WARNING MESSAGES

The following list of errors and warning messages appears in alphabetical order.

BACKGROUND TOO HIGH

BKG TOO HIGH

ENTER to Continue

Figure 13-1 Background Too High Screen

This message appears if the CAPRAC trigger level for background activity is exceeded and
may be caused by the following:

• Contaminated detector cavity or liner,
• radioactive sources near the CAPRAC, or
• contaminated hands.

Eliminate any sources of contamination, then press the ENTER key to repeat the
background. If the background is still too high, check trigger level (CHAPTER 5: TRIGGER
LEVELS: SETTING COUNT LIMITS) to see if the background limit has been set too low or
consider shielding the CAPRAC with lead bricks to help reduce the background level. If all
possible sources of contamination have been eliminated and it is necessary to set the trigger
level to a high level to operate, the CAPRAC may not be functioning properly. In this case,
contact Capintec’s Authorized Service Center in Pittsburgh, phone: (412) 963-1988, FAX
(412) 963-0610.

August 07 ERROR & WARNINIG MESSAGES 13 - 1

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

COUNTING RATE TOO HIGH

COUNTING RATE
TOO HIGH
REMOVE SOURCE

ENTER to Continue

Figure 13-2 Counting Rate Too High Screen

This message appears if you place a sample or source in the detector that exceeds the
CAPRAC’s maximum count rate of 60,000 counts per second (cps).
Standard sources for testing and calibrating the CAPRAC should be in the range of 0.1-1.0
µCi (3.7-37 kBq).

INPUT ERROR

INPUT ERROR
SEE MANUAL

ENTER to Continue

Figure 13-3 Input Error Screen

This message appears if a numerical value that does not fall within the CAPRAC’s accepted
minimum and maximum range values. For example, entering a 00.00 half life or setting an
activity level that exceeds the allowable limit would trigger this error. Press the ENTER key to
return to the previous screen where another value can be entered.

13 - 2 ERROR & WARNINIG MESSAGES August 07

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®
MEASURE BKG

MEASURE BKG

Figure 13-4 Measure Bkg Screen

This message appears if a wipe sample measurement is attempted when the background
activity has not been measured, and recorded within the past 24 hours. It can also appear if
the user exits the background program before the background results have been saved in
the system by pressing the ENTER key. Repeat the background count by pressing the BKG
key and press the ENTER key at the conclusion of the counting period to save the data in the
system.

MUST PERFORM AUTO CAL

MUST PERFORM
AUTO CAL

BEFORE TEST

ENTER to Continue

Figure 13-5 Must Perform Auto Cal Screen

This message appears the first time the TEST function is attempted after changing the
standard reference source data. The Auto Cal function must be performed before the TEST
procedure when the standard reference source data is changed or entered for the first time.

August 07 ERROR & WARNINIG MESSAGES 13 - 3

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®
PLEASE WAIT

PLEASE WAIT

Figure 13-6 Please Wait Screen

This message appears when the CAPRAC is performing a function that may take some time
to complete (e.g. Auto Cal). Do NOT press any keys on the keyboard while this message is
displayed on the CAPRAC screen.

NO ROOM TO ADD

No Room To Add
User Nuclide

Write Over a
User Nuclide?

Yes(µ) or No(¶):

Figure 13-7 No Room Too Add Screen

This message appears if all 10 spaces allocated in the CAPRAC memory for user-defined
nuclides are occupied. When this message appears, follow the directions in CHAPTER 8:
USER-DEFINED NUCLIDES.

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CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

CHAPTER 14

N.R.C. REGULATIONS AND
GUIDELINES FOR AREA SURVEY

MONITORING (WIPE TESTING)

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (N.R.C) publishes regulatory guidelines for
medical uses of radioactive materials. The following guidelines were taken from the N.R.C
website, www.nrc.gov, from the N.R.C.’s Regulatory Guide 10.8, Guide for the Preparation of
Applications for Medical Use Programs (Revision, 2 August 1987).

The following pages describe Model Procedures for: Leak-Testing Sealed Sources, Safely
Opening Packages Containing Radioactive Material and Area Surveys. For more information,
contact your radiation safety officer, state regulatory agency for radiation safety or the N.R.C.

APPENDIX H: Model Procedure for Leak-Testing Sealed Sources

(See § 35.59.)

You or your contractor may use the following model procedure to leak-test sealed sources. If
you, or the contractor, follow the model procedure you may say on your application, "We will
establish and implement the model procedure for leak-testing sealed sources that was
published in Appendix H to Regulatory Guide 10.8, Revision 2."

You may develop your own procedure for review. If you do so, you should consider for
inclusion all the features in the model and carefully review the requirements of § 35.59. Say
on your application, "We have developed a leak-test procedure for your review that is
appended as ATT 10.3," and append your leak-test procedure.

Model Procedure

1. Make a list of all sources to be tested. This should include at least the isotope, the activity on a
specified date, and the physical form.

2. If you will be testing sources stronger than a few millicuries, set out a survey meter, preferably with
a speaker, so you can monitor your exposure rate.

3. Prepare a separate wipe sample for each source. A cotton swab, injection prep pad, filter paper, or
tissue paper is suitable. Number each wipe so you will know for which source it is to be used.
Samples should be taken as follows:
a. For small sealed sources, it may be easier to wipe the entire accessible surface area. Pay
particular attention to seams and joints. However, do not wipe the port of beta applicators.
b. For larger sealed sources and devices (survey meter calibrator, bone mineral analyzer source),
take the wipe near the radiation port and on the activating mechanism.
c. For teletherapy machines, take the wipe with the source in the off position. Wipe the area near
the shutter mechanism, taking care to touch neither field light and mirror nor crosshairs. Also wipe

August 07 N.R.C. REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES 14 - 1

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

the primary and secondary collimators and trimmers.

d. If you are testing radium sources at the same time you are testing NRC-licensed sources, they
should also be checked for radon leakage. This can be done by submerging the source in a vial
of fine-grained charcoal or cotton for a day. Then remove the source and analyze the adsorbent
sample as described below. A survey should be done to be sure the sources are adequately
shielded during the leak-test period.

4. The samples will be analyzed as follows:

a. Select an instrument that is sufficiently sensitive to detect 0.005 microcurie. For beta sources, a
proportional flow counter, liquid scintillation counter, or thin-end-window GM survey meter may be
appropriate. For gamma sources, a crystal with a ratemeter or scaler or a GM survey meter may
be appropriate. Dose calibrators used in nuclear medicine are not sufficiently sensitive.

b. To estimate the detection efficiency of the analyzer used to assay the wipe samples, assay a
check source that has the same isotope as the sealed source and whose activity is certified by
the supplier. If one is not available, it will be necessary to use a certified check source with a
different isotope that has a similar spectrum. If calculations demonstrate that the instrument is not
sufficiently sensitive to detect 0.005 microcurie, a different instrument must be used.

c. Assay the wipe sample. It must be in the same geometry relative to the detector as was the
certified check source.

d. Record the wipe sample counts per minute. Then calculate and record the estimated activity in
microcuries on the wipe sample.

e. Continue the same analysis procedure for all wipe samples.

f. If the wipe sample activity is 0.005 microcurie or greater, notify the RSO. The source must be
withdrawn from use to be repaired or discarded. If it is a source distributed under an NRC or
Agreement State license, the NRC must be notified. (See paragraph 21.21(b) of 10 CFR Part 21
and paragraph 35.59(e)(2) of 10 CFR Part 35.)

g. Sign and date the list of sources, data, and calculations.

APPENDIX L: Model Procedure for Safely Opening Packages Containing
Radioactive Material

(See §§ 35.23, 30.51, 20.203(f)(4), and 20.205.)

You may use the following model procedure for opening packages. If you follow the model
procedure, you may say on your application, "We will establish and implement the model
procedure for opening packages that was published in Appendix L to Regulatory Guide 10.8,
Revision 2."

If you develop your own package opening procedure for review, you should consider for
inclusion all the features in the model. Say on your application, "We have developed a
package opening procedure for your review that is appended as ATT 10.7," and append your
package opening procedure.

14 - 2 N.R.C. REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES August 07

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

Model Procedure

1. Special requirements must be followed for packages containing quantities of radioactive material in
excess of the Type A quantity limits specified in paragraph 20.205(b) of 10 CFR Part 20 (e.g., more
than 20 curies of Mo-99, Tc-99m, uncompressed Xe-133, or more than 3 curies of Xe-133, I-131,
Cs-137, Ir-192, I-125, or more than 0.001 curie of Ra-226). Such packages must be monitored for
external radiation levels and surface contamination within 3 hours after receipt if received during
working hours or within 18 hours if received after working hours, in accordance with the
requirements of paragraphs 20.205(a) through (c). The NRC Regional Office must be notified if
removable contamination exceeds 0.01 microcurie (22,000 dpm)/100 cm*.

2. For packages received under the specific license, the following procedure for opening each package
will be followed:

a. Put on gloves to prevent hand contamination.

b. Visually inspect the package for any sign of damage (e.g., wet or crushed). If damage is noted,
stop the procedure and notify the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

c. Measure the exposure rate from the package at 1 meter and at the package surface. If it is
higher than expected, stop and notify the RSO. (The "transport index" noted on packages with
"Yellow II" or "Yellow III" labels is the approximate dose rate, in millirem per hour, at 1 meter from
the package surface (see § 71.4 of 10 CFR Part 71); the surface dose rate for such packages
should not exceed 200 millirem per hour. The dose rate from packages with "White I" labels
should be less than 0.5 millirem per hour at the package surface. (See § 172.403 of 49 CFR Part
172.))

d. Open the package with the following precautionary steps:

(1) Remove the packing slip.

(2) Open the outer package following the supplier's instructions, if provided.

(3) Open the inner package and verify that the contents agree with the packing slip.

(4) Check the integrity of the final source container. Look for broken seals or vials, loss of liquid,
condensation, or discoloration of the packing material.

(5) If anything is other than expected, stop and notify the RSO.

e. If there is any reason to suspect contamination, wipe the external surface of the final source
container and remove the wipe sample to a low-background area. Assay the wipe sample to
determine if there is any removable radioactivity. [The licensee should specify in the procedure
manual which instrument, for example, a thin-end-window GM survey meter, a NaI(Tl) crystal
and ratemeter, a liquid scintillation counter, or a proportional flow counter, should be used for
these assays. The detection efficiency must be determined to convert wipe sample counts per
minute to disintegrations per minute. Note that a dose calibrator is not sufficiently sensitive for
this measurement.] Take precautions against the potential spread of contamination.

f. Check the user request to ensure that the material received is the material that was ordered.

g. Monitor the packing material and the empty packages for contamination with a radiation
detection survey meter before discarding.

(1) If contaminated, treat this material as radioactive waste.

(2) If not contaminated, remove or obliterate the radiation labels before discarding in in-house
trash.

h. Make a record of the receipt.

3. For packages received under the general license in § 31.11, the following procedure for opening
each package will be followed:

a. Visually inspect the package for any sign of damage (e.g., wet or crushed). If damage is noted,
stop the procedure and notify the RSO.

b. Check to ensure that the material received is the material that was ordered.

See Exhibit 12 for a sample record form you may want to use.

August 07 N.R.C. REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES 14 - 3

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

APPENDIX N: Model Procedure for Area Surveys

(See § 35.70.)

You may use the following model procedure to perform area surveys. If you follow the model
procedure, you may say on your application, "We will establish and implement the model
procedure for area surveys that was published in Appendix N to Regulatory Guide 10.8,
Revision 2."

You may develop your own procedure for review. If you do so, you should consider for
inclusion all the features in the model procedure and carefully review the requirements of
§35.70. Say on your application, "We have developed survey procedures for your review that
are appended as ATT 10.12," and append your survey procedures.

Model Procedure

Ambient Dose Rate Surveys

1. Survey Areas
a. In radiopharmaceutical elution, preparation, and administration areas, survey at the end of each
day of use with a radiation detection survey meter. If diagnostic administrations are occasionally
made in patients' rooms and special care is taken to remove all paraphernalia, those rooms need
not be surveyed.
b. In laboratory areas where only small quantities of gamma-emitting radioactive material are
processed (less than 200 microcuries at a time), survey monthly with a radiation detection survey
meter.
c. In radiopharmaceutical storage and radiopharmaceutical waste storage areas, survey weekly with
a radiation detection survey meter.
d. In sealed source and brachytherapy storage areas, survey quarterly with a radiation
measurement survey meter.

2. Immediately notify the RSO if you find unexpectedly high or low levels.

Removable Contamination Surveys

1. Survey Areas
a. In radiopharmaceutical elution, preparation, and administration areas, survey weekly for
removable contamination. If diagnostic administrations are occasionally made in patients' rooms
and special care is taken to remove all paraphernalia, those rooms need not be surveyed.
b. In laboratory areas where only small quantities of photon-emitting radioactive material are
processed (less than 200 microcuries at a time), survey monthly for removable contamination.
c. In radiopharmaceutical storage and radiopharmaceutical waste storage areas, survey weekly for
removable contamination.

2. The wipe sample assay procedure should be sufficiently sensitive to detect the presence of 2000
dpm/100 cm* of removable contamination (200 dpm/100 cm* for isotopes of iodine). You must use a
radioactive source with a known amount of activity to convert sample measurements (usually in
counts per minute or cpm) to disintegrations per minute or dpm.

3. Immediately notify the RSO if you find unexpectedly high levels.

14 - 4 N.R.C. REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES August 07

CAPINTEC, INC. CAPRAC®

Records

1. Keep a record of dose rate and contamination survey results. It must include the following
information:

a. The date, area surveyed, and equipment used.

b. The name or initials of the person who made the survey.

c. A drawing of the areas surveyed with contamination and dose rate action levels as established
by the RSO. (Recommended removable surface contamination action levels are published in
Regulatory Guide 8.23, "Radiation Safety Surveys at Medical Institutions." See Regulatory Guide
8.23 or Table N-1 below for guidance in establishing your action levels.)

d. Measured dose rates in mR/hr or contamination levels in dpm/100 cm*, as appropriate.

e. Actions taken in the case of excessive dose rates or contamination and follow-up survey
information.

2. The RSO will review and initial the record at least monthly and also promptly in those cases in which
action levels were exceeded.

The following information is not part of the model procedure.

See Exhibit 16 for a sample record form.

Table N-1 Recommended Action Levels in dpm/100 cm* for Surface Contamination by
Radiopharmaceuticals

Area P32, Co58, Fe59, Co60, Se75, Cr51, Co57, Ga67,
Sr85, In111, I-123, I-125,I-131, Tc99m, Hg197, Tl201
1 Unrestricted areas, personal
. clothing Yb169, Au198 2,000
2 Restricted areas, protective
. clothing used only in restricted 200

areas, skin 2,000 20,000

August 07 N.R.C. REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES 14 - 5



CAPRAC Wipe Locations

W-01_______________________ W-24_______________________
W-02_______________________ W-25_______________________
W-03_______________________ W-26_______________________
W-04_______________________ W-27_______________________
W-05_______________________ W-28_______________________
W-06_______________________ W-29_______________________
W-07_______________________ W-30_______________________
W-08_______________________ W-31_______________________
W-09_______________________ W-32_______________________
W-10_______________________ W-33_______________________
W-11_______________________ W-34_______________________
W-12_______________________ W-35_______________________
W-13_______________________ W-36_______________________
W-14_______________________ W-37_______________________
W-15_______________________ W-38_______________________
W-16_______________________ W-39_______________________
W-17_______________________ W-40_______________________
W-18_______________________ W-41_______________________
W-19_______________________ W-42_______________________
W-20_______________________ W-43_______________________
W-21_______________________ W-44_______________________
W-22_______________________ W-45_______________________
W-23_______________________ W-46_______________________

W-47_______________________ W-72_______________________
W-48_______________________ W-73_______________________
W-49_______________________ W-74_______________________
W-50_______________________ W-75_______________________
W-51_______________________ W-76_______________________
W-52_______________________ W-77_______________________
W-53_______________________ W-78_______________________
W-54_______________________ W-79_______________________
W-55_______________________ W-80_______________________
W-56_______________________ W-81_______________________
W-57_______________________ W-82_______________________
W-58_______________________ W-83_______________________
W-59_______________________ W-84_______________________
W-60_______________________ W-85_______________________
W-61_______________________ W-86_______________________
W-62_______________________ W-87_______________________
W-63_______________________ W-88_______________________
W-64_______________________ W-89_______________________
W-65_______________________ W-90_______________________
W-66_______________________ W-91_______________________
W-67_______________________ W-92_______________________
W-68_______________________ W-93_______________________
W-69_______________________ W-94_______________________
W-70_______________________ W-95_______________________
W-71_______________________ W-96_______________________

CAPRAC Unrestricted Wipe Locations

U-01_______________________ U-24_______________________
U-02_______________________ U-25_______________________
U-03_______________________ U-26_______________________
U-04_______________________ U-27_______________________
U-05_______________________ U-28_______________________
U-06_______________________ U-29_______________________
U-07_______________________ U-30_______________________
U-08_______________________ U-31_______________________
U-09_______________________ U-32_______________________
U-10_______________________ U-33_______________________
U-11_______________________ U-34_______________________
U-12_______________________ U-35_______________________
U-13_______________________ U-36_______________________
U-14_______________________ U-37_______________________
U-15_______________________ U-38_______________________
U-16_______________________ U-39_______________________
U-17_______________________ U-40_______________________
U-18_______________________ U-41_______________________
U-19_______________________ U-42_______________________
U-20_______________________ U-43_______________________
U-21_______________________ U-44_______________________
U-22_______________________ U-45_______________________
U-23_______________________ U-46_______________________

U-47_______________________ U-72_______________________
U-48_______________________ U-73_______________________
U-49_______________________ U-74_______________________
U-50_______________________ U-75_______________________
U-51_______________________ U-76_______________________
U-52_______________________ U-77_______________________
U-53_______________________ U-78_______________________
U-54_______________________ U-79_______________________
U-55_______________________ U-80_______________________
U-56_______________________ U-81_______________________
U-57_______________________ U-82_______________________
U-58_______________________ U-83_______________________
U-59_______________________ U-84_______________________
U-60_______________________ U-85_______________________
U-61_______________________ U-86_______________________
U-62_______________________ U-87_______________________
U-63_______________________ U-88_______________________
U-64_______________________ U-89_______________________
U-65_______________________ U-90_______________________
U-66_______________________ U-91_______________________
U-67_______________________ U-92_______________________
U-68_______________________ U-93_______________________
U-69_______________________ U-94_______________________
U-70_______________________ U-95_______________________
U-71_______________________ U-96_______________________

CAPRAC Sealed Source Wipe Locations

S-01_______________________ S-24_______________________
S-02_______________________ S-25_______________________
S-03_______________________ S-26_______________________
S-04_______________________ S-27_______________________
S-05_______________________ S-28_______________________
S-06_______________________ S-29_______________________
S-07_______________________ S-30_______________________
S-08_______________________ S-31_______________________
S-09_______________________ S-32_______________________
S-10_______________________ S-33_______________________
S-11_______________________ S-34_______________________
S-12_______________________ S-35_______________________
S-13_______________________ S-36_______________________
S-14_______________________ S-37_______________________
S-15_______________________ S-38_______________________
S-16_______________________ S-39_______________________
S-17_______________________ S-40_______________________
S-18_______________________ S-41_______________________
S-19_______________________ S-42_______________________
S-20_______________________ S-43_______________________
S-21_______________________ S-44_______________________
S-22_______________________ S-45_______________________
S-23_______________________ S-46_______________________

S-47_______________________ S-72_______________________
S-48_______________________ S-73_______________________
S-49_______________________ S-74_______________________
S-50_______________________ S-75_______________________
S-51_______________________ S-76_______________________
S-52_______________________ S-77_______________________
S-53_______________________ S-78_______________________
S-54_______________________ S-79_______________________
S-55_______________________ S-80_______________________
S-56_______________________ S-81_______________________
S-57_______________________ S-82_______________________
S-58_______________________ S-83_______________________
S-59_______________________ S-84_______________________
S-60_______________________ S-85_______________________
S-61_______________________ S-86_______________________
S-62_______________________ S-87_______________________
S-63_______________________ S-88_______________________
S-64_______________________ S-89_______________________
S-65_______________________ S-90_______________________
S-66_______________________ S-91_______________________
S-67_______________________ S-92_______________________
S-68_______________________ S-93_______________________
S-69_______________________ S-94_______________________
S-70_______________________ S-95_______________________
S-71_______________________ S-96_______________________

CAPRAC Wipe Test Monitoring Results

Date:_________________

Background Count

W-02_______________________

[attach CAPRAC print-out here]

CAPRAC Test Results

W-03_______________________

CAPRAC Auto Cal (if needed)

W-04_______________________

W-01_______________________ W-05_______________________
[write or type location description]

[attach CAPRAC print-out here]

W-06_______________________ W-10_______________________

W-07_______________________ W-11_______________________

W-08_______________________ W-12_______________________

W-09_______________________ W-13_______________________

W-14_______________________ W-18_______________________

W-15_______________________ W-19_______________________

W-16_______________________ W-20_______________________

W-17_______________________ W-21_______________________

U-01_______________________ U-05_______________________

U-02_______________________ U-06_______________________

U-03_______________________ U-07_______________________

U-04_______________________ U-08_______________________

U-09_______________________ U-13_______________________

U-10_______________________ U-14_______________________

U-11_______________________ U-15_______________________

U-12_______________________ U-16_______________________

S-01_______________________ S-05_______________________

S-02_______________________ S-06_______________________

S-03_______________________ S-07_______________________

S-04_______________________ S-08_______________________

Weekly Wipe Tests
(example floor plan)

HOT LAB ROOM 1 ROOM 3
1. L Block 5. Injection Area 9. Camera Console
2. Prep Area 6. Camera Table
3. Dose Calibrator 10. Camera Table
4. Sink ROOM 2
7. Injection Area STRESS LAB
8. Camera Table 11. Treadmill

Tests performed on CAPRAC; Decontaminate if over 2000 DPM
* = Decontaminate: Yes or No

Week: Week: Week: Week: Week: Week:
* DPM * DPM * DPM * DPM * DPM *
DPM
BKG

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Tech
Date

Weekly Wipe Tests
[Your Department's Floor Plan]

[List of Wipe Locations Numbered on Floor Plan]

Tests performed on CAPRAC; Decontaminate if over 2000 DPM
* = Decontaminate: Yes or No

Week: Week: Week: Week: Week: Week: *
DPM * DPM * DPM * DPM * DPM * DPM
BKG
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Tech
Date

Radioactive Shipment Receipt Report

1. P.O. No.: Survey Date: Time: _______

2. Condition of Package:

O.K. Punctured Crushed Wet
Other
Status

3. Radiation Units of Label: Units (mR/hr)

4. Measured Radiation Levels:

a. Radionuclide yes no difference ________________
no difference ________________
b. Amount yes no difference ________________

c. Chem. Form yes

6. Wipe Test Results from:

a. Outer CPM = DPM CF = _______

b. Final Source Container CPM = DPM CF = ______

7. Survey Results of Packing Material and Cartons mR/hr CPM

8. Disposition of Package after Inspection ____________________________________________

9. If N.R.C./Carrier Notification Required, Document Time, Date, and Persons Notified.

________________________________________

Signature Date .

Decontamination Report

Location of DPM/ Follow-Up Tech's
DPM/100cm² Initials
Date Contamination 100cm² Action Taken

Wipe Test Monitoring

Department: Nuclear Medicine Instrum
Licensee:________________________
License Number:__________________ Note: A
Building:_________________________ to the
Room:___________________________

Date W-01 W-02 W-03
Bench #1 Bench #2 Bench #3

nitoring Results

Instrument Used: CAPRAC

Note: Any result greater than 2000 dpm should be brought
to the attention of the department radiation safety officer.

-03 W-04 Background Initials
ch #3 Bench #4

Department: Nuclear Medicine Wipe Test Monitoring
Licensee:___________________
License Number:_____________ Instrum
Building:____________________
Room:______________________ Note: A
to the

Date W-01 W-02 W-03 W-04 W-05 W-06 W-07

Radio- Tc-Gen Hot Hood 1 Refrig- Door Sink
pharm Closet erator Knob

nitoring Results

Instrument Used: CAPRAC

Note: Any result greater than 2000 dpm should be brought
to the attention of the department radiation safety officer.

W-07 W-08 U-01 U-02 S-01 Back- Sign
ground (I.D.)
Sink Phone Pt. Room Recep- Co-60
tion