Method and apparatus for assay and storage of radioactive solutions

Abstract

An improved method, and apparatus for said method, for providing protection for an operator during the determination of radioactivity, and most especially during the assay of relative concentrations of two radioactive materials in a radioactive solution, are provided. The process for determining the relative concentrations, by comparing the total radiation emitted by a solution in a substantially unshielded vessel with the breakthrough radiation emitted by a shielded vessel of the solution, is improved by utilizing a special shielding container for the radioactive solution which can be used to provide the necessary shielding, for the breakthrough test, and can be removed, for measuring total radiation, without removing the solution from the radiation measuring means, thus avoiding direct human exposure to radiation, and which is also suitable for subsequent use as a protective container for the radioactive solution during medical diagnostic or other utilization following assay. The radioactive shielding container comprises a hollow body portion, a lower end closure for the body portion which is remotely and quickly detachable therefrom and an upper end closure, the lower surface of the lower end closure preferably having means to prevent rotating motion relative to the support surface.