OPERATION AND ENERGY CALIBRATION
OF THE
HELGESON SCIENTIFIC SERVICES
"DO-IT-YOURSELF"
WHOLE BODY COUNTER
PC VERSION, REV. 3, 7-March-2001

Webmaster's Note:

This is a typical operating procedure that may be modified for use by any facility that needs such a procedure. This was originally written for one of our power reactor clients who added paragraphs 3.3.2, 3.3.3, and 3.3.4.

1.0 PURPOSE
            This procedure provides instructions on the operation and calibration of the Helgeson whole body counter (WBC).
2.0 SCOPE
            This procedure is applicable to routine and special whole body counting operations and routine calibration checks using the PC-based Helgeson Scientific Services "Do-It-Yourself Whole Body Counter."
3.0 REFERENCES
3.1 References Used in Developing This Procedure:
3.1.1 Helgeson Scientific Services In Vivo Counter Operator's Training & Reference Manual for the "HELGE" Software.
3.1.2 HPS N13.30-1996, Health Physics Society "Performance Criteria for Radiobioassay."
3.1.3 Regulatory Guide 8.26, "Applications of Bioassay for Fission and Activation Products."
3.2 References Used in Implementing This Procedure:
            None
3.3 Related Procedures:
3.3.1 "Whole Body Counter Daily/Weekly QA."
3.3.2 "Personnel Decontamination." (Not furnished by Helgeson Scientific Services)
3.3.3 "Bioassay Sampling Program." (Not furnished by Helgeson Scientific Services)
3.3.4 "Initial MPC-hr Evaluation Using Whole Body Count Results." (Not furnished by Helgeson Scientific Services)
3.4 Correspondence Containing NRC/Regulatory Commitments Implemented in This Procedure:
            None
4.0  DEFINITIONS
4.1  Background Mode - The operational mode in which the whole body counting system monitors the background radiation. The background spectrum is saved and a new spectrum is started.
4.2  Bed - The stationary part of the whole body counter unit in which the subject is counted.
4.3  Carriage - The moving part of the whole body counter unit that contains the detector and associated electronics.
4.4  ALI - Annual Limit of Intake. See HPS N13.42-1997-1978
4.5  Phantom - A facsimile to the human body which approximates the counting geometry of the human body. The phantom is used with known amounts of radioactivity to perform efficiency calibrations and periodic quality control checks of the counting system.
4.6  Data Acquisition Mode - Operational mode in which the carriage scans the subject in the Counter bed.
4.7  Data Analysis Mode - Operational mode which allows the operator to do many of the tasks associated with the analysis of whole body counting data.
4.8  In Vivo - In the living body of a plant, animal, or human being.
;
4.9  Nanocurie - Unit of activity equal to 2,220 nuclear transformations per minute.
4.10  The "Fit" or "CHISQR" value is a measure of the quality of fit. A perfect fit would theoretically have a value of 0.0. Actual acceptable values are typically around 0.3 to 1.0.
4.11  Action Point - A quantity of radioactive material that, when found in the subject, will provide a alarm for the technician and Dosimetry Supervisor. It is set by the Dosimetry Supervisor.

5.0  RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY
5.1 The Radiation Protection Manager is responsible for overall control and implementation of this procedure.
5.2 The Dosimetry Supervisor is responsible for:
5.2.1 Ensuring that the whole body counter is operated in accordance with this procedure
5.2.2 Ensuring that the correct operating parameters are set in the software.
5.2.3 Reviewing the whole body count data for completeness.
5.3 The Dosimetry clerks and technicians are responsible for the following:
5.3.1 Operation of the Helgeson Whole Body Counter as directed by this procedure.
5.3.2 Notifying Dosimetry Supervision of any deviation from this procedure.
5.3.3 Notifying Dosimetry Supervision anytime a recount is necessary due to potential internal deposition.
5.3.4 Forwarding whole body count data to Dosimetry Supervision for review.

6.0 TEST EQUIPMENT, SPECIAL TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
            None
7.0 LIMITS AND PRECAUTIONS
            None
8.0 INSTRUCTIONS
8.1 System Start-up
8.1.1 When the Helgeson WBC computer is powered up, the operating system programs automatically load.
A. Ensure that a floppy disk is NOT in either floppy drive.
;
B. Turn on the power to:
1. Video Monitor
2. Laser Printer
3. Computer/MCA
C. When the MAIN MENU appears, select "1" for Data Acquisition/Analysis. Press "ENTER."
8.1.2 If the computer and monitor are powered up, but the screen is blank, restart the whole body counter programs as follows:
A. Turn OFF the computer and wait approximately one (1) minute.
B. Turn ON power to the computer.
C. When the MAIN MENU appears, select "1" for Data Acquisition/Analysis. Press "ENTER."
8.1.3 If the message "Something wrong with printer..." is displayed, verify that:
A. The power to the printer is in the "ON" position.
B. The printer has paper and the tray is seated.
C. The printer is "ON LINE."
D. The cables to the printer are properly connected.
8.1.4 After the above has been verified and/or corrected, type (N)o to the statement "Ignore further printer errors (Y/N)?" DO NOT type (Y)es because typing "YES" will prevent further output to the printer.
8.1.5 To verify that the printer is working, return to MAIN MENU and again select "l' for Data Acquisition. Press "ENTER." If the problem has been corrected, the printer error message should not appear. If the message still appears, contact Dosimetry Supervision before continuing.
8.1.6 If other problems occur during start up or if error messages are displayed, notify Dosimetry Supervision before continuing.
8.2 Subject Counting
8.2.1 If the Data Acquisition screen is displayed, skip to step 8.2.3.
8.2.2 At the MAIN MENU, select "1" for Data Acquisition/Analysis. Press "ENTER."
8.2.3 Verify that the following is displayed on the Acquisition screen:
A. The correct current date and time.
1. Press "D" to correct date.
2. Press "T" to correct time.
B. Mode: Background
C. Count Time: 120 seconds or greater
     Press "C" to change to longer count time, but only by permission from Dosimetry Supervision.
D. Background Length: 960 seconds or greater
     Press "B" to change to a longer background length, but only by permission from Dosimetry Supervision.
E. Acquisition: ON
F. Data is being accumulated in spectrum.
8.2.4 If the requirements of step 8.2.3 are NOT satisfied, notify Dosimetry Supervision before continuing.
8.2.5 Verify that "Current Background" is LESS than 4 hours old.
A. Press "F4" at the top of the Data Acquisition screen and select Background Info.
B. If the stored background is less than 4 hours old, skip to 8.2.6.
C. If the stored background is more than 4 hours old, return to the Data Acquisition screen and wait until a new background has been accumulated.
D. If adjustments have been made to the pre-amplifier during calibration, wait until a new background has been accumulated.
E. Verify that radioactive material is NOT within the immediate proximity of the whole body counter.
8.2.6 Press "ESC" for Whole Body Count.
8.2.7 Enter the identification data.
A. If the identification number is in the personnel file:
Review the information on the screen to ensure it is correct. The message "Is everything OK" appears at the bottom of the screen.
1. If the information is correct, then press the "Y" key. A window will appear with instructions on how to start the count. For a scanning count, Press the "Ctrl G" or have the person to be counted press the start switch located under the carriage above the right shoulder. Proceed to step 8.2.8
2. If the information is not correct:
a.     Press the "N" key. This will allow editing of the personnel file. Using the "DOWN ARROW" key, proceed to the incorrect information following the guidelines in this section, B.3.
b.     After selecting the appropriate "Reason for Count," the message "Is everything OK" will appear. Press the "Y" key.
c.     The window with the Start Count Options will appear. Proceed to step 8.2.8.
B. If the identification is not in the personnel file:
1.     The message "ID nbr doesn't exist. Return to background" will appear.
a .     Press "ENTER" to return to background, or
b .     Type "N" then press "ENTER" to continue.
2.    The message "Use DUMMY Name" will appear.
a.     Press "ENTER" to run a DUMMY count.
i .     Press "ENTER" to accept a height of 70 inches or type the height of the individual followed by the "ENTER" key.
ii .    Press the "Y" key to accept the information. Press the "N" key to edit the information.
iii .   Proceed to step 8.2.11 to start the count.
b.    Type "N" if you do not want to run a DUMMY count followed by the "ENTER" key.
3 "Data Entry" screen will appear. Type in appropriate data followed by the "ENTER" key.
a.      Last name: Press "ENTER."
b.     First name and Middle Initial: Press "ENTER."
c.    Sex (M/F): Type "M" for Male or "F" for Female. Press "ENTER."
d.     Job Title: Select a job title from the list presented, or press "Insert" to enter a new job title. Press "ENTER."
e.     Height (in inches): The height must be entered in inches within the range of 20 to 90 inches. (The range is set in the parameters part of the "Helge" software.) Press "ENTER."
f.     Weight (lbs.): The weight must be within the range of 1 to 400 pounds. (The range set is set in the parameters part of the "Helge" software.) Press "ENTER."
g.     Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY): You MUST use the correct format: Month, Day, Year, using four digits. Press "ENTER."
h.    Employer: Select an employer from the list presented, or press "Insert" to enter a new employer. Press "ENTER."
i.      Showered before Count (Y/N): This question means have the person showered since last being in a controlled area. Press "ENTER."
j.       Reason for Count: A list of "Reason's for Count" will appear in a window on the screen. Select the one that applies to the person being counted using the "UP ARROW" or "DOWN ARROW" or simply type the number of the appropriate count type. Press "ENTER."
4. The message "Is everything OK" will appear.
a,       Review the identification data for correctness.
b.       Press the "Y" key if all information is correct.
c.       Press the "N" key if information is incorrect. This will allow editing of screen. Use the "UP ARROW" to move to the line containing the error(s) and type in the correct data. Use the "BACKSPACE" key to erase the incorrect data. Press "ENTER." After the changes are made, use the "DOWN ARROW" to move to each data line for additional corrections that may be needed. Use the "DOWN ARROW" to proceed to "Reason for Count" and re-select the appropriate one. Press "ENTER." Return to step 8.2.4.
5. The window with the Start Count Options will appear. Proceed to step 8.2.8.
8.2.8. Instruct the individual to remove shoes, belt, jewelry, glasses (if applicable), and all pocket contents prior to entering the whole body counter bed.
8.2.9 Have the individual lie down on his back in the bed with his head under the detector, his hands at his sides, and his legs together but not crossed. The tips of the toes should be close to or barely touching the end of the shield.
8.2.10 Instruct the individual to lie still during the duration of the count.
8.2.11 Press the button on the underside of the detector carriage and above the individual's right arm or press the "Ctrl G" to start the scan. If the carriage is not at either limit switch it will return to the limit switch before starting the count.
8.2.12 When the count is finished, instruct the individual to leave the Counter. IF THE COUNT IS AN EXIT OR SPECIAL COUNT, DIRECT THE INDIVIDUAL TO REMAIN IN THE WBC WAITING AREA UNTIL THE INITIAL ANALYSIS IS COMPLETED.
8.2.13 The analysis will be displayed on the screen and the report will be printed. The program then returns to background mode.
8.2.14 Check the following data on the printed report and notify Dosimetry Supervision if ANY of the cited values are exceeded:
A. A count time which is more than the count time requested (plus or minus 10% the requested time).
B. An %ALI for any nuclide which is more than 1.0.
C. A TOTAL %ALI which is more than 2.0.
D. A FIT which is greater than 1.5.
E. A result that exceeds the action point.
8.2.15 If none of the above values are exceeded, the individual may leave.
8.2.16 Sign the printed report in the appropriate place and forward the printouts from the whole body count to Dosimetry Supervision for review.
8.3 Data Transmission to Helgeson
8.3.1 Only those whole body counts requiring further analysis, as determined by Dosimetry Supervision, are to be transmitted to Helgeson Scientific Services.
8.3.2 Transmit data for a single file as follows:
A. At the Data Acquisition screen, select "F10" to exit the Data Acquisition program. Select EXIT to MAIN MENU. Press "ENTER."
B. At the MAIN MENU, Select "6" for Communications. Press "ENTER."
C. At the COMMUNICATIONS MENU, select "1" to Send Count to Helgeson. Press "ENTER."
D. A list of the data files that are stored on disk will appear on the screen. Use the "UP ARROW" or "DOWN ARROW" to select the file name to be sent to Helgeson for analysis/review. Press "ENTER."
1. The data files are written to the disk according to the Julian calendar. (EXAMPLE:H1231456.CDN means that the count was made on day 123 at 14:56.)
2. The file name appears on the data sheet except that the file name and extension are given as H1231456.CDT. The file extension CDN means the file has been analyzed. (N stands for "Done.")
E. When the data has been transmitted, the program will return to the COMMUNICATIONS MENU. Press "ESC" to return to the MAIN MENU.
8.4 Energy Calibration of the whole body counter
8.4.1 Each day that the whole body counter is in use, an energy calibration check shall be performed.
8.4.2 Select a Co-60 source to ensure that Co-60 activity is of sufficient strength to produce approximately 1000 counts are obtained in the peak channel of the 1.17 MeV photopeak in a reasonable counting time.
8.4.3 At the Data Acquisition screen, press "F10" and select EXIT to MAIN MENU. Press "ENTER."
8.4.4 Place the Co-60 source on the bed of the Counter directly under the detector.
8.4.5 At the MAIN MENU, select "4" for Calibration. Press "ENTER."
8.4.6 At the CALIBRATION MENU, select "1" for Energy Vs Channel. Press "ENTER." Verify the following:
A. NaI Low energy peak Am-241   59.54   14.28
B. NaI High energy peak Co-60  1173.21  230.37
C. Calibration time (sec), usually 120 seconds
D. Max error (channels), Am-241, range of 0.3 to 1.0, typically 0.5
E. Max error (channels), Co-60, range of 0.5 to 1.5, typically 1.0
F. Pre Amp dial is set according to the value on screen.
8.4.7 If the screen display values are different from those cited above, contact Dosimetry Supervision before continuing. EXCEPTION(S) are:
A. Operator may change the pre-amplifier dial to the value on the screen and proceed to 8.4.8.
1. WARNING: The software will assume you have made change(s) and will store the new value(s).
2. WARNING: DO NOT type "Y" unless the pre-amplifier dial is the same as shown on the screen.
B. Operator has been provided with a password that allows changes to the Calibration parameters.
     WARNING: Change only those parameters which are authorized by the Dosimetry Supervision
8.4.8 If the screen display values are the same as those cited, type "Y".
8.4.9 The Energy Vs Channel screen should display the following:
A. Co-60 Spectrum being accumulated.
B. Marker at channel 14 (AM 241).
C. Marker at channel 230 (Co-60).
D. Remaining count time.
8.4.10 If any of the above are not displayed, contact Dosimetry Supervision.
8.4.11 When the count time has expired, a box will appear at the bottom of the screen showing the result of the calibration run. If the box is:
A. Blue, then the values are within the parameters. The calibration is complete. Press "ESC" to return to the CALIBRATION MENU. Press "ESC" again to return to the MAIN MENU.
B. Red, then adjust the pre-amplifier to the value shown under the heading NEW SETTING shown in yellow on the screen. Press "F2" to restart the calibration run. Continue until the box turns blue then proceed to step 8.4.1lA.
8.4.12 Hard copy result(s) of the calibration run(s) will be printed on the laser printer. Verify that:
A. The printer is in the ON LINE position.
B. Sufficient paper is in the tray and that the tray is seated.
C. The calibration results are within the set parameters.
8.4.13 Return the radioactive check source to its approved storage location at a safe distance from the Whole Body Counter.
8.4.14 At the MAIN MENU, select "1" to return to Data Acquisition. Press "ENTER." Proceed to step 8.2.3.
8.4.15 Use the hard copy of the calibration to complete the applicable blocks on the Daily Energy Calibration Data Report as follows:
A. Time - the time that the calibration was initiated.
B. Pre-amplifier Dial at Start - the pre-amplifier dial setting at the start of the Daily Energy Calibration.
C. Am-241 Center End - the final value of the "Center" of the Am-241 photopeak.
D. Co-60 Center End - the final value of the "Center" of the Co-60, 1173 keV photopeak.
E. Pre-amplifier Dial at End - the final value of the pre-amplifier dial setting.
F. Tech Init - the initials of the Dosimetry Technician performing the calibration.
8.4.16 Attach the screen printouts to the Daily Energy Calibration Data Report and forward to Dosimetry Supervision for review.
8.5 Back up of WBC Data Files to a Removable Disk
8.5.1 Whole body count data files shall be backed-up on a daily basis or as directed by Dosimetry Supervision.
8.5.2 Obtain a supply of pre-formatted double-sided, high density 3.5-inch floppy diskettes, or Zip disks
8.5.3 At MAIN MENU, select "8" for Disk Utilities. Press "ENTER."
8.5.4 Use the "PAGE DOWN" or "DOWN ARROW" key to highlight the WB1 directory. Press "ENTER."
     You have the following choices:
1. FILE NAME - Alphabetical order with the oldest count first.
2. SIZE - Number of bytes that file uses.
3. DATE - In chronological order with the most recent count first.
4. TIME - In time order only with no regard to date.
8.5.6 At Sort Option, use the "DOWN ARROW" to select DATE. Press "ENTER."
8.5.7 Use the "+" key on the keypad to select ALL COUNTS or use the "DOWN ARROW" to go to the count(s) to be backed up and press the "INSERT" key. The count(s) selected will be highlighted. To remove the highlight from ALL COUNTS, press the "-" key on the keypad. To remove the highlight on an individual count, press the "INSERT" key.
8.5.8 Insert the disk into the drive with the label facing up.
8.5.9 Press "F5" to copy the "tagged" files to the disk.
A. A box will appear asking for "Destination of files."
B. If you have a two external devices type an "A:" for the 3.5 inch floppy or "D" (or whatever letter represents the Zip disk) for the Zip disk. (DO NOT forget the colon (":").) Press "ENTER."
8.5.10 The highlighted files will be copied to the selected disk. One of the following will occur:
A. At the completion of the "Back-up," the files that were tagged will have been copied to the disk. Press the "ESC" to EXIT to the MAIN MENU.
B. You will be notified when the disk is full. Insert another empty disk into the drive and press "F5" to continue the copy routine. Return to step 8.5.9B.
8.5.11 Label the back-up disks properly and forward to Dosimetry Supervision for storage.
8.6 Obtain a listing of WBC data files as follows:
8.6.1 At the MAIN MENU, select '9" for Miscellaneous Programs. Press "ENTER."
8.6.2 At the MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAMS MENU, select "1" for Show Names/Filenames. Press "ENTER."
8.6.3 At the Name and File Names screen, press "F2" for Options.
8.6.4 The following choices are available:
A. Data Files - Type in the extension or edit the shown extension by using the "RIGHT ARROW" and deleting characters with the "BACKSPACE" key above the "ENTER" key.
B. Output Devices You have three choices: Screen, Printer and Disk. Use the "DOWN ARROW" to highlight the output device you want and press the "SPACE BAR" to select. A "Check" sign will appear to the right of the one selected. If everything is OK, press "ESC."
8.6.5 The Name and File Name screen will show the output device and the data file extension you wish to output. Press "F4" for Output to Selected Device.
8.6.6 At the Name and File Name screen, press "ESC" to return to Miscellaneous Programs followed by another "ESC" to return to MAIN MENU.
8.6.7 Forward the copy of the back-up disks to Dosimetry Supervision along with the printer listing of the names.
9.0 ATTACHMENTS AND FORMS.
9.1 Attachments None
9.2 Forms
9.2.1 "Daily Energy Calibration Data Report."
DAILY ENERGY CALIBRATION DATA REPORT
Month_______ Year________ WBC Number________
 
Date
Time
Pre-Amp
Start
Am-241
Center
End
Co60
Center
End
PreAmp
End
Tech
Initials
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Remarks:   __________________________________________________________________________
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Reviewed By: ______________________________________ Date: _____________________