Atomlab - Plus - 100 - Operation and Service Manual

ATOMLAB 100Plus
DOSE CALIBRATOR
OPERATION AND SERVICE MANUAL
VERSION 2.0
086-265
086-269
BIODEX
Biodex Medical Systems, Inc.
20 Ramsay Road, Shirley, New York, 11967-4704, Tel: 800-224-6339 (In NY and Int’l, call 631-924-9000), Fax: 631-924-9241, Email: sales@biodex.com, www.biodex.com
FN: 07-153 7/07

ATOMLAB 100Plus DOSE CALIBRATOR
This manual covers installation and operation of the following products:

#086-265 Dose Calibrator, Atomlab 100Plus, 115 VAC
#086-269 Dose Calibrator, Atomlab 100Plus, 250 VAC
Atomlab Dose Calibrator
Warranty
1. Instrumentation
A. This equipment and its accessories are warranted by BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS,
INC., against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of
shipment from BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. During the warranty period, BIODEX
MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. will in its sole discretion, repair, recalibrate or replace the equip-
ment found to have such defect, at no charge to the customer.
EXCEPT AS STATED ABOVE, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,

INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR USE. BIODEX DOES NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL
OR INDIRECT DAMAGES INCLUDING LOSS OF USE, SALES, PROFITS OR BUSINESS
INTERRUPTION.
B. This warranty does not apply if the product, as determined by BIODEX MEDICAL
SYSTEMS, INC., is defective due to abuse, misuse, modification or service performed by
other than a BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. authorized repair and calibration facility.
Misuse and abuse include, but are not limited to, subjecting limits and allowing the
equipment to become contaminated by radioactive materials.
C. In order to obtain warranty repair service, the equipment must be returned freight pre-
paid to one of our facilities. The Return Authorization number (R.A. #) should be included,
along with a statement of the problem. Equipment will be returned transportation prepaid.
2. Calibration
A. Instruments are warranted to be within their specified accuracy at the time of shipment.
If a question arises and BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. determines that the initial cali-
bration is in error, the instrument will be recalibrated at no charge.
B. Mechanical products are warranted to meet written specifications and tolerances at the
time of shipment.
C. The return policy is as stated in paragraph 1.C.
3. Warranty is non transferable.
4. Non-Warranty Service
A. Repairs and/or replacements not covered by this warranty may be performed by
BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. at a factory authorized service location. Estimates of
repair charges may be requested, however, a charge for estimate preparation may apply if
the repair is later not authorized by the customer.
B. The cost of transportation into and out of the service location will be the responsibility of
of the customer.
BIODEX
Service Procedure
If you think you have a service problem, take the following action.
1. Check to see that the problem occurs more than once.
2. Check the instruction manual and operations procedure.
3. Check the instruction manual Trouble-shooting Guide.
If you still think you have a service problem, call BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.,
Service Department at (800) 224-6339.
Keep yourself and the phone next to the equipment.

1. Service will ask you for a brief description of the problem. We will ask specific questions
about the malfunction that occurred. This diagnostic process may take a few minutes,
so call us when you have time to spare.
2. After taking the information, we will advise on the action we will take.
3. Sometimes service personnel must consult with engineering and it may take time to get
back to you. Be sure to let the service representative know your schedule so that we
can call at a convenient time.
4. The return call may be from a person other than whom you first reported the problem to.
5. After analyzing the problem, we will decide if the unit must be returned to us for repair,
or replacement parts will be sent.
6. If unit must be returned, it will be given a return authorization (R.A. #) number by us.
Pack the system in the carton that it was originally shipped in, or pack it safely and
securely to avoid shipping damage. It is the customer's responsibility for any damage
that occurs during shipping.
7. Non-warranty/non-service contract charges for repair are as follows:

a. Materials
+
b. Time
Service Currently $125.00 per Hour
+
c. Shipping Charges
BIODEX
ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Chapter One: Introduction to the Atomlab 100 Plus Dose Calibrator.........1-1
Introduction to the Atomlab 100 Plus Dose Calibrator and this manual.
Chapter Two: Installing Your Dose Calibrator ...............................................2-1
Describes what you need to properly use your Atomlab Dose Calibrator,
powering up, installation and cleaning instructions.
Chapter Three: Getting Started .......................................................................3-1
This chapter allows you to gain a quick familiarization of the operation of
your Dose Calibrator.
Chapter Four: Description ...............................................................................4-1
Describes features and functions of your Dose Calibrator, including the
Detector and Display units.
Chapter Five: Operation...................................................................................5-1
Describes the full operation of your Atomlab 100 Plus system.
Glossary .........................................................................................................GL-1
Appendices
Appendix A .......................................................................................................A-1
Atomlab Dose Calibrator Troubleshooting Procedures
Appendix B .......................................................................................................B-1
Atomlab 100 Plus Dose Calibrator Specifications
Authorized European Community Representative
Appendix C .......................................................................................................C-1
Decay Calculations
Appendix D .......................................................................................................D-1
Pre-Set Calibration Values
Appendix E........................................................................................................E-1
Calibration Values for Other Isotope Selections
Appendix F ........................................................................................................F-1
Atomlab Dose Calibrator Calibration and Traceability
Appendix G.......................................................................................................G-1
Atomlab Computer Interconnection
Appendix H .......................................................................................................H-1
Determining the Firmware Level of Your Dose Calibrator
Appendix I ..........................................................................................................I-1
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Appendix J ........................................................................................................J-1
Quality Assurance Testing of Atomlab Calibrators
(Manufacturing Instructions)
Appendix K .......................................................................................................K-1
Specifications
Quick Reference Chart
Trouble Shooting Chart
Schematics
Biodex Medical Systems 5 Release 2.0

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Chapter 1
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION TO THE ATOMLAB 100 PLUS
DOSE CALIBRATOR
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ATOMLAB DOSE

CALIBRATOR USERS
The Atomlab Dose Calibrator you have purchased is a high

quality, dependable and reliable instrument. Before using it,
please review the following points.
Before using this devise, be certain to read the entire opera -

tion manual. Failure to read the manual may result in user
error or inaccurate data
The Atomlab Dose Calibrator should be used only as speci -

fied in the operation manual
The Atomlab Dose Calibrator is designed for use in a

patient environment.
OVERVIEW
Biodex Medical Systems’ Atomlab 100 Plus dose calibrator

is designed to perform accurate radioisotope measure-
ments simply and quickly. Due to our unique electronics
and software, the performance you obtain when using this
unit will surpass the latest stringent regulatory performance
standards.
In addition to performing standard radioisotope measure-

ments, the Atomlab 100 Plus offers the ability to print
Syringe Labels, Patient Chart Labels, and a System Test
Report. This system can also store and print constancy for
Co-57, Ba-133 and Cs-137. For each of these three iso-
topes, the Atomlab 100 Plus will store up to two months
constancy data. A carbon copy of each of these printouts is
available directly behind the self-adhesive labels.
Biodex Medical Systems 1-1 Release 2.0

By familiarizing yourself with the procedures presented in

this manual, you will be able to carry out dose measure-
ments while keeping your Atomlab 100 Plus functioning
optimally and reliably for years to come.
CONVENTIONS OF THIS MANUAL
The following conventions are used to provide graphic and

other aids to facilitate following instructions given in this
manual:
Key Labels The Increment/Decrement keys are represented by ⇑ and ⇓.
Keys in Boldface Type (i.e., PRINT) must be pressed for a

response.
When there is an option in a step, it will be represented by

upper case brackets { }.

CHAPTER TWO:
INSTALLING YOUR ATOMLAB 100 PLUS
DOSE CALIBRATOR
OVERVIEW
We strongly suggest that you read this chapter before moving

on to the operation chapter. This will help ensure that your
Atomlab Dose Calibrator is up and running properly, and that
you have adequate access to the unit to perform all the func-
tions that will be discussed. It will also help you become familiar
with the various components of your dose calibrator.
OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
Prior to installing your equipment, plan a layout for your

Atomlab unit that will ensure it is convenient for measuring
radionuclides and will not cause undue radiation exposure
because of extra handling of high activity sources. There
should be ample room to place a vial shield on the work sur-
face (preferably behind an L block shield), open the shield and
remove the vial using tongs, quickly place the vial into the
Sample Holder and then place both into the Chamber Well.
Be sure to consider access to the Printer for changing the

paper, etc.
Remember that to make radioisotope measurements you

will have to place the clear plastic Chamber Well Liner into
the Chamber Well and lower the plastic Sample Holder into
the liner. Make sure there will be no obstructions, such as
wall cabinets, above the Detector Unit. Such obstacles may
make it difficult to insert and remove the Sample Holder.
Choose a table or other counter which is free of vibration,

does not wobble, and will easily support 300 lbs.
Work Surface The surface area of the table top should provide ample area
to accommodate the Detector Unit, Display Unit, the Printer,
the L-Block shield, the shielded radionuclide preparation
area, and room for writing. See Figure 2-1 for a typical dose
preparation layout.

Suggested dimensions of the table top are:
• 30 in. deep
• 48 in. wide
• 36 in. high
Figure 2-1: A typical dose preparation layout.
Physical Location Frequently, dose calibrators are located in areas called hot
and Environment labs in which there is a wet sink with plumbing. Do not locate
your dose calibrator on a table or other counter which can
become wet or is subject to splashing or spraying.
Avoid areas which have drafts caused by heating or air con-

ditioners, or are in direct sunlight. Electronics work best
when constant temperature is maintained.
The temperature range is from 0 to 40° C, and the relative

humidity range from 0 to 95%.
Choose a location for your dose calibrator which is not fre-

quently used by other personnel — one where the table on
which it lies will not be bumped.
In general, make sure your work area is clean, dry, and dust
free.

Avoid locating your dose calibrator near a radioactive materials

storage area. The 1/4-inch lead shield around the detector
shields it from changes in radiation levels from diagnostic ener-
gy radionuclides (i.e., Tc-99m); however, the high energy radia-
tion from sources such as Cs-137 and Co-60 will easily pene-
trate the shield and change the background radiation level. The
lower the ambient radioactivity, the less background activity for
which the Atomlab Dose Calibrator must compensate, and, the
greater the accuracy and reliability of the readings.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Choose a line power source with a socket which mates secure-

ly with the power plug provided.
Verify that the power line is properly grounded.
Do not choose an outlet that has a wall switch control.
Line Voltage 100 to 120 VAC 1/2 A, or 200 to 240 VAC 1/4 A, selectable
with Fuse Holder (see Appendix A).
Line Frequency 50/60 Hz.
POSITIONING
After you have chosen a suitable location for your Atomlab

Dose Calibrator and familiarized yourself with its compo-
nents, position the various units. Make sure the Detector
and Display Units have been positioned to where they will
not have to be moved prior to connecting the cables.
CABLE CONNECTIONS
Detector Unit Refer to Figure 2-2 for an illustration of the Detector Unit's
Connection cable connector and rear panel. The Detector Cable is gray,
ten feet long, and has white identical male connectors on
both ends. The connectors are of a self-locking type.

1) Rotate the Detector Unit so that you can see the

rectangular opening in one side of the base.
2) Take one end of the Detector Cable, orient its connector

so that it matches the openings on the connector of the
Detector Unit (refer to Figure 2-2), and then insert the
connector firmly until you feel it click. Do not force the
connector, it is self-locking! Gently pull on the connector
to make sure it is firmly secured.
To remove the connector, squeeze both sides and pull.
3) Rotate the Detector Unit to its normal position so that

the connector is facing away from the work area.
Figure 2-2: The Rear Panel of the Detector Unit, end of the
Detector Cable, and the Operational Light.
Display Unit NOTE: For the next procedure ensure your dose calibrator
Connection is turned OFF.
1) Rotate the Display Unit so that you are looking at the

rear panel. Locate the connector labeled CHAMBER.
2) Take the connector on the free end of the Detector Cable,

orient it so that it matches the openings on the connector
of the Display Unit, and then insert the connector firmly

until you feel it click. Do not force the connector, it is

self-locking! Gently pull on the connector to make sure it
is firmly secured.
Figure 2-3: The rear panel of the Display Unit with Chamber
Connector, the end of the Detector Cable, and the Display
end of the Power Cord.
Power Cord 1) Rotate the Display Unit so that you are looking at the
Connection rear panel. Directly to the right of the connector labeled
CHAMBER, locate the Fuse Holder. This is labeled USE
ONLY WITH 250V FUSES, with 100-120 read upright,
and 200-240 read upside down.
2) The orientation of the Fuse Holder determines the

power your dose calibrator requires. When the label
100-120 and its corresponding arrow points to the arrow
directly below the Fuse Holder, you can plug your unit
into an 100 VAC power source.
If, conversely, the label 200-240 and its corresponding

arrow points to the arrow directly below the Fuse Holder,
you must plug your unit into a 240 VAC power source.

NOTE: Your Atomlab 100 Plus has already been configured

for your use. If, however, you turn the Fuse Holder upside
down to change the voltage required, the fuses within the
Fuse Holder must have the proper rating. See Appendix A
for details.
3) Locate the Power Switch to the right of the Fuse Holder

and the socket for the Power Cable to the left.
4) Ensure the Power Switch is in the OFF position (0).
5) Plug the Power Cord into the socket.
6) Rotate the Display Unit back to its normal position.
7) Take the remaining end of the Power Cord and plug it

into an outlet which meets the requirements previously
outlined.
Printer Cable The following procedure tells you how to connect the Printer
Connection to the Display Unit. Refer again to Figure 2-3 for a view of
the Display Unit's rear panel, to Figure 2-4 for the front view
of the Printer, and to Figure 2-5 for the rear view of the
Printer.
1) Place the Printer on top of the Display Unit, as shown in

Figure 2-1.
2) Make sure the Power Switch for the Printer is OFF (see
Figure 2-4).
3) Rotate both the Display Unit and Printer so that you are
looking at their rear panels.
4) Locate the DC Power Connector on the rear panel of

the Printer (see Figure 2-5). Plug in the Printer Power
Cord. This cable is black with a three-prong male end
and three socket female end.
NOTE: The ends of the Printer Power Cable are not inter -
changeable.

Orient the Printer Power Cord so that it matches the open-

ings on the connector of the Display Unit, and then insert
the connector firmly until you feel a click. Do not force the
connector, it is self-locking! Gently pull on the connector to
make sure it is firmly seated.
5) Locate the connector labeled PRINTER PWR on the

rear panel of the Display Unit (see Figure 2-3). Plug in
the remaining end of the Printer Power Cable.
6) Locate the Interface Connector (Modular Jack) on the

rear panel of the Printer (see Figure 2-5). Plug in the
Printer cable.
7) Locate the connector labeled PRINTER on the rear

panel of the Display Unit (immediately to the right of the
PRINTER PWR connector). Plug in the remaining end
of the Printer cable.
Figure 2-4: Front view of the Printer

Figure 2-5: Rear view of the Printer
NOTE: If you have purchased the RS-232 computer inter -

face option for your Atomlab Dose Calibrator, you will now
want to connect the interface cable into the connector
labeled PC PORT. Connect the other end of the cable to the
serial port of your computer. See Appendix G for further
information.
POWERING UP
Reach behind the Display Unit and power up your Atomlab

by flipping the Power Switch from the 0 (OFF) position to the
– (ON) position. The Atomlab 100 Plus Self-Test will com-
mence automatically.
If an error is detected, it will be noted on the Electronic

Thumbwheel Display. You can then refer to Appendix A or the
Troubleshooting Guide supplied with this manual to resolve
the problem. With the printer connected and turned ON, the
Atomlab 100 Plus will print a Self-Test Form and print the
error number if any error is encountered. See Figure 4-2.
NOTE: After turning your Atomlab ON and completing the

Self-Test or chamber selections, do not press any keys for at
least an hour. This allows the sensitive electronics to stabilize.

PACKING MATERIAL
Now that you have set up your Atomlab Dose Calibrator, and
everything is intact and functioning properly, take a few
moments to repack the packing material. This material was
especially designed for safe shipment of the Atomlab Dose
Calibrator and should be considered part of the instrument.
Place the shipping material in the appropriate boxes and put
the boxes back into the shipping carton. Label the carton and
store it in a safe, out-of-the-way location. If you ever need to
return your dose calibrator for updates, calibration, or repair,
use the original shipping carton, boxes, and shipping material.
BASIC PRINTER INSTRUCTIONS
The following instructions will help you prepare your Printer

for operation. It is assumed that you have made the power
and data connections to your dose calibrator, as described
earlier in this chapter.
CAUTION: Ensure the Printer power is OFF prior to per -

forming any of the installation procedures provided in this
section. Failure to do so may result in injury to yourself
and/or damage to the equipment.
MISE EN GARDE: Assurez-vous que l'alimentation

electrique est coupee avant d'executer les procedures
d'installation fournies dans cette section. A defaut de
cette precaution vous pourriez subir des blessures ou
causer des dommages a l'equipement.
PRINTER TYPE
The Atomlab 100 Plus utilizes a model #DP8340 standard

feed printer. This 40-column, serial, dot matrix printer is
powered by the Atomlab unit.
DIP SWITCHES
Locate the DIP Switches (refer back to Figure 2-5). They

should all be set to the UP position (ON) except for switch
2, which should be set to the DOWN position (OFF).

HANDLING NOTES
1) Place the Printer on a flat and stable surface (we

suggest the top of the Display Unit).
2) Do not drop paper clips, pins or other foreign objects

into the Printer.
3) Wipe off any dirt with a soft cloth soaked in alcohol or

benzene. Do not use Lacquer thinner, Trichlorethelene or
Ketone solvents as they may damage the plastic
components.
4) Use a soft brush, etc., for cleaning the Printer

mechanism and PCB.
5) Keep your hands out of the Printer while the power is ON.
6) Do not attempt to print when there is no ink ribbon or

paper in the Printer. The Print Head life could be
severely reduced.
7) If the paper is fastened tightly to the roll, the paper may

not detach from the roll when the end is reached. If this
happens, the No Paper detection function and Paper
Feed will not operate.
8) Always keep the Printer Cover attached when printing to

prevent paper jams, noise, and other problems.
UNPACKING
Make sure you have all the Printer accessories illustrated in

Figure 2-6.
NOTE: The ribbon has already been installed.

Installing the Install the Paper Holders in the outermost holes in the rear of the
Paper Holders Printer (see Figure 2-7). Insert the holders, positioned as shown,
and Re-Roll and push down slightly so that they lock into place. (The guides
Prevention Guard on the holders fit into the indentations beneath the outermost
holes in the rear of the Printer.) Do not force the holders!
To install the Re-Roll Prevention Guard, insert one leg of the

guard into one of the holes within the indentation of the
Printer Cover, as shown, and then insert the other leg, tak-
ing care not to bend the Guard.
Figure 2-6: Printer accessories
Figure 2-7: Installation of Paper Holders and Re-Roll

Prevention Guard

INSTALLING THE INK RIBBON
NOTE: The ribbon has already been factory installed. This

procedure is provided for future reference.
1) Turn the power OFF, lift the Printer Cover up, and
remove it (see Figure 2-8). There is an indentation to
the right and at the rear of the Printer Cover.
NOTE: Be careful not to touch the print head immediately

after printing as it may be very hot.
2) Unwind the ribbon so that the Ribbon Spools are

separated, as shown in Figure 2-9.
NOTE: For the next two steps, hold the ribbon taut as
you install it. Refer to Figure 2-10.
3) With the Spool Driving Pins facing down, slide the

ribbon between the Print Head and the Platen.
Wrap one side around the black Ribbon Guide on the end
of the Platen and drop one Spool on the Spool Shaft.
As you move the Spool downward, move the Detecting

Lever aside to allow the Spool to drop into place.
Make sure the Spool Driving Pins engage with the Spool
Drive Holes. As the spool drops into place there will be a
click.
4) While continuing to hold the ribbon taut, install the

remaining ribbon spool by following the same procedure
as in step 3).
5) Turn the spool that rotates freely to take up the ribbon

slack.
Removing the Ink Hold the spool and lift gently, rotating it until the ribbon sags.
Ribbon Push the ribbon Detecting Lever out, lift the spool until it
comes off the shaft. Remove the second spool by following
the same procedure.

Figure 2-8: Printer Cover Removal
Figure 2-9: Printer Ribbon Spools
Figure 2-10: Installation of Printer Ribbon Spools

PAPER INSERTION
1) Turn the power OFF.
NOTE: For the next three steps, refer to Figure 2-11.
2) Tear the end of the label at the perforations to create a

straight edge. Hold the roll so the paper comes from the
bottom and towards the printer.
3) Attach the roll of label paper to the Paper Holders. To do

this, put the rod through the center of the paper roll and
slip one side onto the Hub while pulling the other Hub out
to allow the roll and rod to slip into place.
4) Insert the label paper evenly into the Paper Insertion Slot
until it hits the pin feed hubs.
5) Turn the printer Power Switch ON and press the FEED

Button. Refer to Figure 2-12. The paper will automatically
feed into the Printer. You may have to take hold of the
paper and push it into the paper insertion slots slightly
while pressing the feed button until the feed mechanism
grabs hold of the paper perforations.
6) Stop the paper feed when the perforations line up with

the tearing mechanism on the top of the printer. If the
paper has advanced too far, continue advancing (feed-
ing) the paper until the next perforation is reached, or,
press down on the paper release lever and pull the
labels either forward or backward until the perforations
line up exactly. Release the paper release lever to lock
the labels in place.
PAPER REMOVAL
Cut the paper close to the slot and use the FEED button
until the paper has passed completely through the Printer.
N O T E: Do not try to remove the paper by hand as it could

become misaligned and get jammed inside the Printer.

POWERING UP YOUR PRINTER
When you are confident you have made the proper cable
connections and installed the required accessories correctly,
turn the Power Switch ON. If everything is right, the green
POWER and ON LINE LEDs will come ON, and the red
ALARM LED will not come ON.
Figure 2-11: Printer Paper Roll Insertion
Figure 2-12: Printer Paper Insertion
Cleaning As required, cleanse all exterior surfaces using a rag damp-

Instructions ened slightly with a mild detergent solution.

CHAPTER THREE:
GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR
ATOMLAB 100 PLUS DOSE CALIBRATOR
OVERVIEW
This chapter provides a quick introduction to your Atomlab

100 Plus Dose Calibrator. It will familiarize you with the basic
operation of making an Activity Measurement so that the
instructions provided in the rest of the manual will make more
sense. This chapter will be especially valuable to those of you
who are already familiar with dose calibrator operation. A
detailed description of the Display and Detector Units is pro-
vided in Chapter 4, and of operation procedures in Chapter 5.
Also consult the Appendices for further information.
METHODOLOGY
LED Keys An understanding of the following key functions, and a

knowledge of the Atomlab Display Unit, will facilitate your
use of the Atomlab Dose Calibrator.
Whenever you initiate a mode, such as Setup, the Atomlab

Dose Calibrator will guide you by causing the LED's to flash
on the keys you need to press.
When the manual specifies that an LED comes ON, it

always means steadily, even if it was previously flashing. In
some instances, pressing a key will cause a flashing LED to
turn OFF or come ON steadily.
Front Panel Refer to the Front Panel Display in Figure 3-1. On the
Display Atomlab 100 Plus the four-digit display associated with the
Electronic Thumbwheel is referred to as the Electronic
Thumbwheel Display. This display is used to set the date,
time and dial values for the OTHER key.

Figure 3-1: Atomlab 100 Plus Front Panel Display
GETTING STARTED
If you have not done so already, reach behind the Display

Unit and flip up the power switch from the left position (0) to
the right (-) to power up your system. The TEST key LED
will illuminate and the Atomlab will automatically initiate a
Self-Test program which will be completed without interrup-
tion unless an error is detected.
Any error detected during the Self-Test will show as an

Error Message in the Activity Display. Refer to Appendix A
for a description of Error Messages and the proper course
of action.
Read the Display NOTE: The top right four-digit LED Activity Display always
indicates activity in the Detector's Chamber Well, no matter
which keys are pressed. (There are momentary exceptions:
when you press the TEST key, for example.)
To the right of the Activity Display are the units of measure,

e.g., microcuries (µCi). At this time, the display will indicate
some numeric value and the µCi symbol. Also lit is an LED
associated with one of the Isotope Selection keys. When an
isotope is selected, the Atomlab Dose Calibrator is automati-
cally calibrated to display the activity of that isotope. Press
the Tc-99m (or any other Isotope Selection key) and observe

the LED on the key come on (the Tc-99m key may already
be selected). If there is no activity in the Detector, the dis-
played value should be about 1.00 µCi or less. This value
may get lower after "warm-up".
NOTE: The Mo-99 key has a special function for the Moly
Breakthrough test, which is described in Chapters 4 and 5.
NOTE: The activity reading when you first power up your

dose calibrator may be any value, even negative, as you
have not yet corrected for the background radiation in your
work area. After you use the BKGND key as described below,
and after the dose calibrator has warmed-up, the activity
level should be close to zero (<0.1µCi).
Background Before activity measurements are normally made, a dose

Adjustment calibrator requires a background adjustment to assure there
are no errors in the displayed value. The Atomlab Dose
Calibrator automatically stores and subtracts the
Background Value before displaying the activity reading.
With nothing in the Detector but the Chamber Well Liner

and empty Sample Holder, press the BKGND key. The LED
on the key will come ON while background measurements
are made. The LED will go OFF automatically when com-
pleted and the displayed value should be less than 0.1 µCi.
The activity value will remain in memory until the BKGND key
is pressed again or the system is turned OFF.
NOTE: The normal functions of the dose calibrator are dis -

abled as the background is compensated for. This proce -
dure will take anywhere from several seconds to 100 sec -
onds, depending upon the level of activity of previous meas -
urements. You may abort the background measurement at
any point by simply pressing the BKGND key a second time.
Cs-137 Check After the above background correction has been completed,
remove your Cs-137 calibration Check Source from its
shield, place it in the Sample Holder and lower it into the
Chamber Well. Press the Cs-137 Isotope Selection key on
the front panel and observe that the LED on the key comes
on. The Activity Display will now indicate the activity of your
Cs-137 Check Source. Compare it to the decayed calibrated

activity (see Appendix C for Decayed Activity Chart, Chapter

5 for an explanation). For a properly calibrated source
above 200 µCi, the displayed value should be within a few
percent of the decayed calibrated value. If you do not have
a Cs-137 source, use a calibrated vial Co-57 source and
repeat the above by pressing the Co-57 key.
These calibration check sources provide a vital quality

assurance test which should be done daily to assure proper
performance of the calibrator.
NOTE: The Atomlab 100 Plus provides automatic

Constancy Checks for the Co-57, Cs-137 and Ba-133 keys.
AVERAGING PERIOD
The Atomlab 100 Plus automatically selects the proper

averaging period or time constant for the proper display of
low activity sources. When you first lower the source into
the well, the activity value quickly jumps to the final value.
For a few seconds the value may fluctuate, but then the
value settles down to a small variation in the right digit. The
Atomlab Dose Calibrator will average the activity data while
the source is in the Chamber Well, which over several sec-
onds will result in a stable reading. As soon as the source is
removed from the Chamber Well, the Activity Display will
drop down to the near zero value.
RANGE SELECTION
The Atomlab Dose Calibrator automatically selects the prop-

er range to display the activity results (either mCi or µCi if
you have selected Ci, or GBq or MBq if you have selected
Bq). The selection is made on the basis of providing maxi-
mum resolution for the number displayed. Therefore, all you
have to do is place the source in the Chamber Well and
read the activity value from the Activity Display.

ISOTOPE SELECTION
Isotope selection can be done at any time before or after

placing the source into the Chamber Well. As soon as you
press an Isotope Selection key, the displayed activity value
is corrected in accordance with the corresponding
Calibration Value stored in memory.
DISPLAY UNITS
Proper units for radioactivity can be either the traditional

Curie (Ci) or the international unit Becquerel (Bq), whichev-
er may be required in your facility. Your Atomlab Dose
Calibrator has the ability to display in either system by user
selection through the SETUP key.
Isotope dial values may be displayed in microcuries or mil-

libequerels. Whichever isotope key is illuminated will be the
value displayed in the Electronic Thumbwheel. Toggle
between microcuries and millibequerels by pressing the
OTHER key.
(To access the isotope dial values, press the SETUP key.
The month/day setting will appear. Continue pressing the
SETUP key three more times to advance past the
Month/Date, Hour/Minute and Century/Year settings. The
unit should now display the dial value for the isotopes listed
on the key pad.)
USING THE PRINTER
As an introduction to using the Atomlab 100 Plus and its

dedicated Printer, perform the following steps.
With a vial or syringe of radionuclide in the Chamber Well,

for this example Tc-99m, press the Tc-99m key. When the
Activity Display is stable, press the PRINT key (bottom row,
center of Display Unit).
The Atomlab 100 Plus printout will look similar to Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2: A sample Radionuclide Activity Report from the

Atomlab 100 Plus dedicated printer.

CHAPTER FOUR:
ATOMLAB 100 PLUS DOSE CALIBRATOR DESCRIPTION
OVERVIEW
By this point, you should have already setup, installed and

powered up your Atomlab 100 Plus as described in
Chapters 1, 2 and 3. Now, before getting into the actual
operation procedures, we suggest you take a few minutes
and review this chapter. It provides a complete description
of the Display and Detector units comprising your dose cali-
brator. For an illustration of parts and components, refer
back to "Packing Slip", Figure P-1.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Atomlab Dose Calibrators are used to measure the

radioactivity of a known radioisotope. Their primary applica-
tion is the measurement of the dose administered to a
patient in nuclear imaging. The design for both units incor-
porates unique electronics and software which surpass
stringent regulatory performance standards and provide fast
and accurate results.
The Detector Unit uses an ionization chamber for radiation

detection and an electrometer for ion current measurement.
The chamber bias is generated with an electronic high volt-
age supply, eliminating the need for expensive battery
changes.
The Display Unit communicates with the Detector Unit and

printer through serial ports.
An RS-232 computer interface comes standard with the

Atomlab 100 Plus system. This interface will allow the user
to send data and commands between the dose calibrator
and a remote PC.

THE DETECTOR
The Atomlab Detector Unit is a well type ionization chamber

capable of measuring activity as low as 0.01 µCi and as
high as 9999. mCi of Tc-99m. The chamber is surrounded
on all sides and on the bottom with 1/4-inch lead to both
shield you from the source you are measuring and shield
the dose calibrator from any ambient radiation.
THE CHAMBER
The well type chamber was carefully selected to provide a

nearly "4 pi" measuring geometry which means that the
radiation detector nearly surrounds the radionuclide. This
allows the Atomlab Dose Calibrator to measure the activity
of a sample no matter what its volume or shape, as long as
it fits into the Chamber Well. This is necessary, for example,
when measuring syringe doses when the volume is unim-
portant.
CHAMBER WELL LINER
Placed within the well is a plastic liner to protect the cham-

ber from contamination in the event of the source leaking
during measurement. The liner is required for correct opera-
tion of the unit.
CURRENT MEASUREMENT
The ionization current is measured by a microprocessor-

controlled high impedance electrometer located within the
base of the Detector Unit.
REAR PANEL
On the rear panel of the Detector Unit are the connectors

for power and data communication with the Display Unit.
The Detector Unit can be located up to three meters away
from the Display Unit.

RESPONSE
The response of this type of ionization chamber has been care-

fully studied using radionuclides calibrated at the National
Institute of Standards & Technology. The result is a well-defined
energy response curve which is used to determine the calibra-
tion values for many different isotopes with high accuracy. Each
chamber has been calibrated with a National Institute of
Standards & Technology traceable source. The corresponding
Calibration Value has been stored in the memory of the Detector
Unit. After calibration, the chamber's accuracy is tested with sev-
eral sources of differing gamma energies whose activity values
are traceable to the National Institute of Standards & Technology.
THE DISPLAY UNIT
The Atomlab 100 Plus Dose Calibrator Display Unit consists of con-
trol keys and displays that allow you to make activity measurements.
A built-in microprocessor executes commands input via the front
panel keys and computes activity values from Detector data. This
unit can also print dose/syringe shield labels and store and print
two months worth of Constancy for Co-57, Cs-137 and Ba-133.
The Display Unit, with a molded plastic case housing the elec-
tronics, has been specifically designed to perform Activity
Measurements in a laboratory setting. To allow easy fingertip
control of the keys, the front panel slopes gradually. The Activity
Display slopes as well, providing an optimum viewing angle. On
the rear panel of the unit are the power and communication con-
nectors, and the power switch, which remain out of the way as
they are infrequently needed.
ZERO CALIBRATION
The innovative design of the Atomlab's Dose Calibrator's elec-

trometer ensures that this zero adjustment is performed while
measurement of the activity values is being carried out, and is
therefore continually updated.
Method The current from the chamber is collected on a capacitor in the

feedback loop of the electrometer whose capacitance value
is stable and measured to a high degree.

Voltage measurements are made periodically. The time peri-

od between measurements is accurately calibrated. The
second of two successive values is subtracted from the first
by the microprocessor, which yields the net voltage change
on the capacitor. Because the time interval between meas-
urements is so small, any offset arising from fluctuations in
the electronics is the same for both measurements, and is
automatically compensated for during the subtraction.
DISPLAY UNITS
When you set your dose calibrator to display Activity Values

in Ci (Curies), the conventional system of units, either µCi
or mCi will be indicated next to the numeric display. The
prefix micro or µ (10-6), or milli or m (10-3) is automatically
selected by the system's microprocessor.
For example, if the numeric value displayed is 12.03, and

µCi is indicated, the activity will be 12.03x10-6 Ci or
0.00001203 Curies; if 63.9 is displayed and mCi indicated,
the activity is 63.9x10-3 Ci or 0.0639 Curies.
In the same manner, when you set the dose calibrator to

the international system of units, Becquerels, either MBq or
GBq will be indicated, where the prefix M represents Mega
(106) and G represents Giga (109).
The absolute measurement range of the Atomlab Dose

Calibrator is from 0.01 µCi to 9.999 Ci of Tc-99m (and the
equivalent in Becquerels).
For example, 12.03 µCi = .445 MBq and 63.9 mCi = 2.36
GBq. If the numeric display reads 0.445 and MBq is indicat-
ed, the activity value is 445,000 Becquerels; if 2.36 is dis-
played and GBq indicated, the activity is 2,360,000,000
Becquerels.
THE DISPLAY UNIT-FRONT PANEL
To familiarize yourself with the location of the displays and

various keys on the front panel, refer to Figure 4-1.

Activity Display The four-digit LEDs which make up the Activity Display
always display measured activity, except during the Self-
Test.
To the right of the Activity Display are the four display unit indi-
cators: µCi, mCi, MBq, and GBq. If you select Ci as the dis-
play units, the LED behind either µCi or mCi will come ON,
depending on the range automatically selected by the Atomlab
Dose Calibrator; if you select Bq, MBq or GBq will be indicat-
ed.
NOTE: If the Detector Well is empty, the display units

should be in the lower range, either µCi or MBq.
Figure 4-1: The Atomlab 100 Plus Front Panel
Isotope Selection These keys allow you to select which radioisotope you will
Keys be measuring. When, for example, you press the key
marked Tc-99m, the dose calibrator will be calibrated to
accurately measure the activity of Tc-99m. The LED on the
key you press will come ON so that you will always know for
which radioisotope the system is currently calibrated.
Standard The standard radioisotope (Isotope Selection) keys for the
Isotopes Atomlab 100 Plus include: Co-57, Cs-137, I-131, In-111,
Ga-67, Xe-133, I-123, Tl-201, Ba-133, Sr-89, Mo-99 and
Tc-99m.

Self-Test The Self-Test is initiated by turning the Atomlab ON, or by

(TEST Key) pressing the TEST key. The LED on the TEST key comes
ON. Items tested include: electrometer sensitivity, chamber
bias supply, software checksum, and the display. All LED
indicators are lit to let you know their condition. During the
Self-Test, the Activity Display does not indicate activity.
Display Test The display test sequence is as follows.
Sequence
1) All segments of the numeric LEDs or digits on the Ac-
tivity Display, the decimal points, and all four Activity
Display unit LED indicators, will come ON for four
seconds. The display will look like:
8.8.8.8. µCi mCi

MBq GBq
After 4 seconds, this display will turn OFF and the next
test given in 2) will occur.
2) All Electronic Thumbwheel Display digits and decimal

points will come ON. The display will read as follows:
8.8.8.8.
3) Next, the LED indicator on every key, will come ON.
When the Self-Test is completed and no faults have been

detected, the LED on the TEST key turns OF and a Self-Test
Form will be printed (see Figure 4-2). At this point, the system
is ready to use.
If there should be a problem detected, the LED on the TEST

key will flash and the Electronic Thumbwheel Display (#1) will
show a number corresponding to the fault. See Appendix A or
the Atomlab Dose Calibrator Troubleshooting Guide for Error
Messages and correction procedures. If you should decide to
continue in spite of the fault, press the TEST key to return to
normal operating mode. A Self-Test Form showing an Error
Message will print out. The LED on the TEST key will continue
to flash. In the event of an error message, we recommend you
perform a Constancy and Linearity Test before continuing.

Figure 4-2: Atomlab 100 Plus Self-Test Form.

Background When you press the BKGND key to store the background
Correction activity, this value remains in memory until you press the
(BKGND Key) key again. Pressing the BKGND key a second time will abort
the process.
NOTE: Even though the Atomlab 100 Plus Dose Calibrator

compensates for background interference, the accuracy of
Activity Measurements depends on the intensity of the
background radiation. For this reason, store the new gener -
ator, storage generator and check sources away from the
dose calibrator.
SETUP MODE (SETUP KEY)
Pressing the SETUP key accesses the Setup mode. A full

description of the functions you can perform is provided in
Chapter 5.
ELECTRONIC THUMBWHEEL
The Electronic Thumbwheel consists of a 4-digit LED

Display (Electronic Thumbwheel Display), ⇑⇓ keys, and the
key labeled ENTER.
The Electronic Thumbwheel Display shows:

Electronic
Thumbwheel • The month and day
Display • The time of day in hours and minutes
• The century/year
• Calibration Value when the OTHER key has been selected
or, when in the Setup mode, any selected, preset isotope
key calibration value.
• Error numbers, if the self-test has a localized fault
• Countdown for Moly Breakthrough Test
CONTROL FUNCTION KEYS
There are seven keys which perform specific functions: the

keys labeled SETUP, TEST, BKGND, LABEL, THIS MONTH,

LAST MONTH and ENTER. The ENTER key is associated

with the Electronic Thumbwheel Display. These keys allow
you to perform such functions as selecting the Activity
Display Units, setting the clock, calibrating the Isotope
Selection keys, performing constancy tests, storing the con-
stancy standard data for the 3 isotopes, testing the instru-
ment, and compensating for exterior conditions which affect
the accuracy of the Atomlab 100 Plus unit.

CHAPTER FIVE:
OPERATION OF YOUR ATOMLAB 100 PLUS
DOSE CALIBRATOR
NOTE: Most of the following functions and procedures are

briefly described on the Quick Reference Chart provided
with this manual.
Before proceeding, ensure that your Atomlab 100 Plus sys-

tem has been installed according to tile conditions and proce-
dures outlined in Chapters 2 and 3. Additionally, you should
be familiar With the descriptions provided in Chapter 4.
GENERAL OPERATING TIPS

To ensure accurate and reliable results when using the
Atomlab 100 Plus, keep the following guidelines in mind at
all times:
1) Perform the Self-Test, Daily Constancy, Quarterly

Linearity and Annual Accuracy tests as required. Note
that changes in operating parameters will affect the
accuracy of readings if these tests are disregarded.
2) Do not introduce other high energy radioactive

sources near the location of the Atomlab 100 Plus.
Try to maintain a stable environment.
3) Leave your Dose Calibrator ON at all times, or make

sure you turn prior to using it.
CAUTION: Keep the Chamber Well Liner in the Detector all

times. Failure to do so will affect the accuracy of test results
obtained and leave open the possibility of contaminating the
Chamber We l l.
MISE EN GARDE: Gardez le manchon protecteur à l'in -

terieur de le chambre du calibrateur en tous temps. A
défault de cette précaution, la précision des résultats de vos
tests peut être affectée et, laisse place à la possibilité de
contaminer le puits de la chambre.

DAILY CHECKS
Perform the following procedures on any day when

radioisotope activity measurements are to be taken.
Self-Test The Self-Test is automatically initiated when the Atomlab

100 Plus Dose Calibrator is turned ON. To run the Self-Test
at any other time, simply press the TEST key. If any faults
are detected, see Appendix A or refer to the Atomlab
Troubleshooting Guide.
Background Ensure the Chamber Well Liner and Sample Holder have
Correction been placed in the Detector. Press BKGND.
NOTE: Both the Chamber Well Liner and Sample Holder

should be should be checked periodically for contamination,
as described later in the chapter (the more your dose calibra -
tor for is in use, the greater the frequency of checks required).
1) Remove the Cs-137 check source from its shield and

Constancy place it into the Sample Holder. Lower the holder,
Checks: Cs-137 with source, into the Chamber Well.
2) Press the Cs-137 key (for the moment, ignore the

blinking ENTER LED). The Activity Display will now
show the activity of your Cs-137 check source.
3) Compare the displayed activity with the decayed

calibrated activity (for an example of how to calculate a
decayed activity see “Isotope Selection key Calibration’:
later in this chapter). For a properly calibrated source
above 100 µCi, the displayed value should be within a
few percent of the decayed calibrated value.
4) You may also use the special function of the Cs-137

key to perform automatic Constancy Checks and data
storage, as described later in this chapter.
NOTE: If you do not have a Cs-137 source, use a calibrated

Ba-133 or Co-57 source and press the corresponding key
(again, the special function of the Ba-133 and Co-57 keys
enable you to carry out Constancy Checks automatically). You
can perform constancy on all three radionuclides, if desired.

SETTING TIME AND DATE
Time and Date values are programmed at the first level of the
Setup mode. Once established, these values are used for all
Atomlab 100 Plus functions for which Time and Date are
recorded including: test report printouts, activity record printouts
with the time the isotope was counted, and system constancy
functions. The clock is also needed to properly decay the
stored radionuclide standards that are used for constancy.
Procedure At the first level of the Setup mode, the month and day are
displayed. To set month and day, use the following procedure:
1) Press SETUP to view the month/date. The month setting

should begin to flash.
2) Use the ⇑⇓ keys to Change the flashing month that is

indicated on the electronic thumbwheel. When the
proper number is displayed, press the ENTER key.
This will cause the day setting to flash.
NOTE: An indicator light illuminates under the time or

date digits, i.e., M/D H/M, C/Y to be changed.
3) Use the ⇑⇓ keys to change the day displayed to the

correct date. Press the ENTER key to save the
corrected month.
4) Press the SETUP key to display hour and minute.
5) Use the arrow keys to change the flashing hour digits

displayed on the electronic thumbwheel.
6) With the correct hour displayed, press the ENTER

key. This will lock in the new hour setting and cause
the minute digits to start flashing. Use the ⇑⇓ keys to
scroll to the desired minute digit. Press ENTER to
save the new minute setting.
7) Press SETUP again to advance to century and year.

The century setting will be flashing. Use the ⇑⇓ keys to
display the correct century and then press the ENTER
key to save. The year digits will now begin to flash.

8) Use the ⇑⇓ keys to correct the year and then press

the ENTER key to save.
9) Press the setup key twice, or until the setup LED

turns OFF. The unit exits the Time/Date loop and is
now ready for normal operation.
PRINTER OPERATION
The printer is a standard feed serial printer. lt will only func-

tion with the Atomlab 100 Plus Dose Calibrator. To operate
the printer:
1) Ensure that the printer Power LED is illuminated.
2) To print radionuclide activity reports, press the LABEL

button while in normal mode. The system will print out
the activity in the chamber for the isotope button that
is currently illuminated, along with two syringe or vial
shield labels for the isotope. The main label can be
taken and put on the patient’s chart, while the other
syringe labels can be placed accordingly. There is
also a carbon copy of the record that is printed behind
the label that can be saved in the department records.
3) To print constancy reports for this month or last month,

press the CONSTANCY isotope and then press either
the PRINT button for this month or last month to print
the desired report. As the month changes on the clock
and a new count is taken, the oldest month will print
and then be wiped out of memory. The unit stores both
this month and last month for the three constancy iso-
topes on the front panel. The user must enter in the
activity of their source into memory in order to use the
CONSTANCY buttons.
NOTE: After printing a label you can print another label

by pressing PRINT. Following a printout, you must press
an isotope button to clear the printer memory. Printing an
isotope button allows the unit to print information from a
different dose .

STANDARD ACTIVITY MEASUREMENT
The following procedure allows you to make a typical

Activity Measurement with your Atomlab 100 Plus.
1) Place the radioisotope to be measured into the Sample

Holder and carefully lower it into the Chamber Well.
2) Press the Isotope Selection key corresponding to the

isotope to be measured.
3) The Activity Display should now show the activity of

the selected isotope.
NOTE: For Constancy Check Sources Co-57; Ba-133

and Cs-137; the ENTER LED will begin to flash after
step 31 above. See Constancy Checks described
later in this chapter: Press another isotope key to
continue in normal operating mode.
MOLY BREAKTHROUGH TEST
A Moly Breakthrough test is an evaluation of the amount of

Mo-99 contamination in a vial or syringe of Tc-99m. Tc99m,
a decay product of Mo-99, is obtained from a generator by
leaching it from the column of Mo-99 after it is formed.
The test method has been derived from the fact when Mo-99
decays, high energy gamma photons (~75O keV) are produced
which can “breakthrough” a lead wall with a thickness sufficient
to totally absorb the lower energy Tc-99m gamma. Therefore,
when a Tc-99m source is placed in the properly shielded lead
container and inserted into the Chamber Well of the Atomlab
lOO Plus, any measured radiation will be due to Mo-99
gamma transmission.
NOTE: The Mo-99 key has been calibrated to measure the

activity of Mo-99 in a source contained within the optional
Moly Shields. You must use a breakthrough shield. Failure
to do so may result in inaccurate results. The Activity
Display will show a direct readout of the activity which
means that corrections for wall absorption have been
included in the Calibration Value.

There is a moly shield for vial model 086-423 and for

syringe 086-435.
Procedure Perform the following steps to carry out the Moly

Breakthrough test.
1) Insert empty Moly Shield and press the Mo-99 key.

The Electronic Thumbwheel Display will begin a 30-
second countdown.
2) Once the countdown is finished, verify that the Activity

Display reads 0.05 µCi or less. Wait about 30 seconds
more for the Atomlab 100 Plus to stabilize. If the value
is too high, press the BKGND key. You may continue
when the BKGND LED indicator goes OFF.
3) Place the Tc-99m source in the Moly Shield and lower

it into the Chamber Well.
4) Again press the Mo-99 key. The Electronic Thumbwheel

Display will begin another 30-second countdown.
5) After the count reaches 0, the Activity Display should be

s table enough for an accurate Mo-99 activity reading.
NOTE: Although the Mo-99 countdown is intended to

suggest an adequate time frame, tile Atomlab 100
Plus will continue to acquire Mo-99 data as long as
the Mo-99 key is selected. As a general rule, the
onger you wait, the more stable the reading.
ISOTOPE SELECTION KEY CALIBRATION
If you have an isotope whose activity has already been accu-

rately calibrated, such as a source obtained from the National
Institute of Standards & Technology, you may use this source
to set a Calibration Value for any of the Isotope Selection keys.
Procedure The procedure for Isotope Selection key Calibration is as follows.
1) Obtain the calibrated activity, write it on a piece of

paper and set it next to the activity display.

For example, the National Institute of Standards & Technology

source you obtained is 1-125 with the following properties:
Activity measured: 12/13188,12:00 EST
Activity per unit mass: 1195 MBq/g +0.005 (+0.5%)
Mass:4.95863 g
The half-life is 59.6 days +O.2

Let A = current activity
A0 = activity at time of calibration - ln(2)(t/T1/2)
A = A0e
where t = time lapse since calibration and T1/2 = half life
A0 = (1195 MBq/g)(4.95863 g)
= 5.926 MBq
= 160.2 µCi
t = 60.25 days - ln(2)(60.25/59.6)
A = 160.2 e
= 79.5 µCi (2.94 MBq)
2) Insert the source with Sample Holder into the

Chamber Well.
3) Press any standard Isotope Selection key, then press

the SETUP key four times. The Atomlab 100 Plus is in
the four-level Setup mode. The current calibrated
value for the key will show on Electronic Thumbwheel
Display (#1).
NOTE: For the next step there is no need to pay

attention to the Calibration Value you have set.
4) Use the Electronic Thumbwheel (#1) ⇑⇓ keys to change

the setting on the display so that the Activity display shows
the current activity of the sample which was calculated in
step 1 y. The ENTER LED starts flashing.
5) Press the ENTER key. The selected Isotope key is now

programmed with the Calibration Value on the Electronic
Thumbwheel 1 Display. The ENTER LED turns OFF
6) Press the SETUP key The SETUP LED turns OFF to

indicate the Atomlab 100 Plus is out of Setup mode.

SETTING OTHER ISOTOPE VALUES
The following procedure allows you to measure the activity

of a radioisotope not included on the twelve standard preset
keys. The Calibration Value you set for the OTHER key is
programmed into memory, eliminating the need to reset the
key later (unless you need to measure a different non-
standard isotope).
NOTE: In order to change the default Calibration Value for

the OTHER key you must select this key prior to initiating
the Setup mode.
NOTE: When you press the User Defined other Isotope

Selection key the Calibration Value will always appear on
the Electronic Thumbwheel Display. The only time the
Calibration Value for the other Isotope Selection keys will
appear on the Electronic Thumbwheel is when the Atomlab
100 Plus is in the Setup mode.
1) Press the SETUP key four times. The SETUP LED comes
ON. The OTHER key LED begins to flash indicating you
may select the other display units if desired.
2) Press the key you wish to change the calibration value

for. The Radionuclide LED comes ON. If you want to
change the default for the other key, select the OTHER
key before entering the setup mode.
3) Select the Calibration Value from Appendix E

corresponding to the radioisotope you intend to
measure.
4) Use the ⇑⇓ keys to set the Calibration Value on the

Electronic Thumbwheel Display. The ENTER LED
starts flashing.
5) Press the ENTER key. The Selected Isotope key is now

programmed and will retain the Calibration Value you
set it to, even if you turn OFF your Atomlab 100 Plus.
6) Press the SETUP key. The Atomlab 100 PIus is now

out of Setup mode.

Should you need to return the standard Isotope Selection

keys (labeled Co-57; Cs-137;... , Tc-99m), to their original
preset Calibration Values, follow the above steps, but with
the following changes:
For step 2), press the standard Isotope Selection key

in question.
For step 3), look up the preset Calibration Dial Value

in Appendix D.
From time to time you may wish to check the Calibration

Values of the standard Isotope Selection keys. With
Appendix D before you, press SETUP four times and then
press the standard Isotope Selection keys, comparing the
settings on the Electronic Thumbwheel Display with values
in the appendix. Pressing SETUP again takes you out of
Setup mode. (These values also print on the Test Report
and can be used for comparison.)
To set a calibration value for the OTHER key, follow the

steps below.
1) Press OTHER.
2) Press SETUP four times. The SETUP LED will come ON.
3) Use the ⇑⇓ keys to set the Calibration Value on

Electronic Thumbwheel (#1). The ENTER key begins
to flash. The OTHER key flashes also, indicating that
you can press the OTHER key to change Display
Units at this point. Press ENTER to enter the value.
4) Press SETUP to Exit back to normal operating mode.

Tile Calibration Value will be stored.
CONSTANCY CHECK
Constancy Checks should be performed on a daily basis to

ensure that the activity levels displayed by your dose calibrator
are stable over a long period of time. Cs-137; Ba-133C and
Co-57; because of their long half-lives, are the suggested
Check Sources for the Atomlab Dose Calibrator.

Procedure To Enter the Constancy Check Source data:
1) Place either a Co-57; Ba-133, or Cs-137 Check

Source into the Sample Holder and lower the Holder
into the Chamber Well.
2) Press either the Co-57, Ba-133, or Cs-137 Isotope

Selection key. The ENTER LED begins to flash. Press
the ENTER key and the selected isotope appears on
Electronic Thumbwheel Display (#1). The ENTER LED
should now be flashing. Press <SETUP>.
3) Calculate tile Co-57; Ba-133, or Cs-137 Decayed

Activity and enter this value (in mCi or GBq) on
Electronic Thumbwheel Display. Note that data entry
has a .001 mCi precision when adjusting ⇑⇓ from the
default 5.000 value. If you drive the value all the way
down, the precision will switch to .0001 mCi, which is
preferred for constancy check source entry.
4) Press the ENTER key to store the reference value just

entered in step #3.
5) Press the Tc-99m key. The Atomlab 100 Plus returns

to normal operating mode.
For all subsequent Constancy Checks, the Atomlab 100 Plus

will automatically perform decay calculations, using the Time
and Date stored in memory so that the calculations will always
be current. Once you have performed the above procedure
you need not perform any additional decay calculations.
NOTE: The same procedure can be used to store the other

two constancy isotopes’ activities
NOTE: An error 7 will be displayed if the constancy source

falls below 50 µCi of activity

DAILY CONSTANCY CHECKS
In a Daily Check, the Atomlab 100 PIus measures the actual

activity of the Check Source placed in the Chamber Well,
comparing this to the calculated decayed activity stored in
memory. Should it find a discrepancy of more than 5%, it
will beep, the TEST LED will flash and Electronic
Thumbwheel will flash an Er. 7 message. To escape the
Error loop, see “In Case Of Er. 7” below.
Procedure Following step 5) above:
1) Using the Sample Holder, place the Check Source

into the Chamber Well.
2) Select the appropriate Isotope Selection key (Co-S7;

Cs-137 or Ba-133).
3) Press the flashing ENTER key to enter Check mode.

The selected isotope will be displayed in ETD #1.
4) Press the flashing ENTER key to enter the isotope

and bring up the operator I.D. number.
NOTE: Department personnel can be assigned any

number between 1 and 25. A cross-reference chart
should be created showing LD. number and operator:
5) Press the ENTER key a third time to measure the

actual activity of the Source in the Chamber Well.
6) The Atomlab will now compare the current activity with

the calculated decayed activity stored in memory (this
has automatically been updated in accordance with
the current Time and Date).
7) Exit the Constancy Check and return to normal operating

mode by pressing another ISOTOPE key or PRINT. The
latter option results in a form similar to that shown in
Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-1: A sample Daily Constancy Record. If the

Atomlab 100 Plus detects a discrepancy greater than 5%, it
will print an error 7 Message:
CAUTION SYMBOLS
◆ Indicates decayed activity is less than 0.050 mCi and
which may fall below your license requirement
■ The measured activity error exceeds 5% but is less than
10%. Consult with your RSO or designated person from
your license
■ The measured activity error exceeds 10% which is
beyond your license requirements. Consult your RSO for
recomended action.

MISEN EN GARDE:
◆Le degré d'activité théorique indiqué est moins de 0.050 mC i
ce qui peut êlre sous les normes requises de votre pemis.
■La mesure d'erreur d'activité excréde 5% mais est moins de
10%. Consultez votre officier de radi protection (physicien)
ou la personne désignée sur votre permis.
■La mesure d'erreur d'activité excéde 10% ce qui dépasse
les normes de votre permis. Consultez votre officier de
radioprotection (physicien) pour ses recommentations.
NOTE: Only one Constancy Check measurement will be

saved in memory each day. If you perform more than one
check on a given day only the last one will be saved.
In Case of Er. 7 If the Atomlab 100 Plus detects more than a 5% discrepancy
in its Daily Check it will beep, the TEST LED will flash and
Electronic Thumbwheel (#1) will display an Er. 7 message
after you have pressed the ENTER key for the second time.
To escape the error loop, press the TEST key, followed by the
TEST key. This performs the test loop and generates a printed
Form with the Evaluation Message noted in the caption for
Figure 5-3. Press an isotope key to return to normal operation.
NOTE: Error 7 will display if the measurement error

exceeds 5% of the standard or the decayed standard is less
than 50 µCi. Values outside the normal range are printed in
bold on the report.
Monthly Report The Atomlab Dose Calibrator begins storing Daily Checks
the day you first enter the Check Source Activity. T h e
Atomlab 100 Plus stores two months worth of Constancy
Check data for all three constancy isotopes. Two constancy
report keys are labeled “This Month” and “Last Month’:
Pressing “This Month” will print a report from the first of this
month up to and including today’s date. “Last Month” prints
all of the previous months data. This report remains available
for a full month. This allows ample opportunity for the user to
print their report. As the month rolls over to the next month,
the “Last Month” data is replaced by the “This Month” data.
Reports See end of chapter for sample pages that the reports could
be place on and kept in the files.

CONTAMINATION CHECKS
To ensure that your Sample Holder is not contaminated,

perform the following steps.
1) Remove the Sample Holder from the Detector.
2) Ensure that the Activity Display reads less than O.05

µCi or (MBq). If not, use the BKGND key to correct for
the change in background radiation.
3) Place the Sample Holder into the Chamber Well.
4) Press the Mo-99 key. If, after the 30-second count

down on the Electronic Thumbwheel Display, the
activity is >2µCi, set the Sample Holder aside. Repeat
the test (steps 1 through 3) the next day or after a
weekend. If, after the repeat test, the activity is still
>2µCi or greater, you need to order a replacement
Sample Holder because of contamination.
5) If the activity is <2µCi, place the Sample Holder back

in the Chamber Well and, if the activity value now reads
greater than 0.05 µCi, again press the BKGND key.
Detector Liner Repeat the above procedure, removing and replacing the
Check Well Liner.
SAMPLE REPORTS
The remainder of this chapter offers a look at samples of

the following Atomlab 100 Plus reports:
1) Radionuclide Activity Label

2) Blank Test Report Page
3) Test Report Page with Test Label put into place
4) Blank Daily Constancy Report
5) Daily Constancy Page with a month end report in place

Figure 5-2: A sample Radionuclide Activity Label.

Figure 5-3: A sample Blank Test Report Page.

Figure 5-4: A sample Test Report Page with Test Label put into place.

Figure 5-5: A sample Blank Daily Constancy Report.

Figure 5-6: A sample Daily Constancy Page with a month end report in place.

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Glossary
GLOSSARY
OVERVIEW
This glossary provides definitions for the most common

terms relevant to the Atomlab 100 Plus Dose Calibrator.
Accuracy Tests The test of a dose calibrator to see how close the displayed
activity values are to the true values.
Averaging Period The time the Atomlab takes to display a stable activity
reading.
Background The function of the Atomlab, initiated by pressing the BKGND

Correction key, which stores a value for the ambient activity. This value
is automatically subtracted from all subsequent activity
measurements to compensate for the background activity
level.
Becquerel (Bq) The international unit of activity, corresponding to one dps

(disintegration per second, or one nucleus decaying per
second). The Atomlab displays activity values in units of
MBq (million Bq) or GBq (billion Bq).
Calibration The use of calibrated activity sources traceable to the

National Institute of Standards & Technology to calibrate
each Atomlab unit and verify the accuracy of the activity val-
ues it displays.
Calibration Value The value set on the Electronic Thumbwheel (#1) Display to
adjust the Atomlab to correctly respond to a particular
radioisotope. See Response, Ionization Chamber.
Calicheck A sleeve shield package to perform linearity tests on dose

calibrators.
Constancy Check Performing daily checks using a radioisotope with a long

half-life to ensure that the activity values a dose calibrator
displays is stable over a long period of time.
Decay Chart A chart projecting how the activity of a source will decay
over a period of time at specified time intervals.
Biodex Medical Systems GL-1 Release 2.0

Detector Unit An Atomlab component housing the ionization chamber

detector and the electrometer.
Display Displayed value changes without the removal or insertion of
Fluctuations a source in the Chamber Well.
Display Unit The Atomlab component incorporating the electronics, con-
trol keys and displays which perform and show activity
measurements.
Dose Calibration The verification of the activity of a radiopharmaceutical to
be administered to a patient, corresponding to the radiation
to be delivered to the body.
Electrometer Measures the current in the ionization chamber, which is
proportional to the activity of a source within the chamber.
Electronic The section of the Atomlab Front Panel consisting of a 4-
Thumbwheel digit display, Increment/Decrement keys (⇑ and ⇓) and an
associated key, which allows the operator to enter any num-
ber possible on the display into the Atomlab program.
Geometry Tests The test of a dose calibrator to determine the variation in
the displayed activity values due to the geometric configura-
tion of the source's container (vial, syringe, etc.) and its
location within the ionization chamber detector.
Ionization A device which responds to the activity of a source by form-
Chamber ing ion pairs which can be collected as a measure of the
radioactivity.
Kit A calibrated solution containing a compound labeled with a
radionuclide such as Tc-99m (radiopharmaceuticals). From
such kits doses are prepared to administer to patients to
facilitate nuclear imaging.
L-Block Shield A partially transparent radiation shield behind which doses
can be prepared.
Linearity Tests The test of a dose calibrator to determine the variation in
the displayed activity values from the true ones over the
measurement range of the instrument.

Lineator A sleeve shield package to perform linearity tests on dose

calibrators.
Moly Used in the Moly Breakthrough Test to shield the radiation

Breakthrough of the Tc-99m in an eluent so that the activity of the Mo-99
Shield can be measured.
Moly Break- Used to determine the percentage of parent Mo-99 remaining

through Test in the eluent containing the daughter Tc-99m radionuclide.
Molybdenum-99 The parent radionuclide which decays into the daughter Tc-
(Mo-99) 99m, used to generate radiopharmaceuticals.
NIST National Institute of Standards & Technology, whose activi-

ties include maintaining radioactive material standards.
NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which is the agency of the

Federal Government which regulates radioactive materials.
Range Selection The Atomlab unit automatically selects which range of

Display units (µCi or mCi, or MBq or GBq) to be used for
the Activity Display to show activity values with the most sig-
nificant number of digits.
Response, The variation of the ion current collected by an ionization cham-

Ionization ber because of individual decay processes associated with dif-
Chamber ferent radioisotopes. Calibration Values are required to adjust
the output of the electrometer for each radioisotope to compen-
sate for this variation in response, thereby ensuring accuracy
over the entire range of commonly used radioisotopes.
Sleeve Shield A method of performing linearity tests on a dose calibrator

by encircling a single source with leaded sleeves of varying
thickness, thereby reducing the activity the dose calibrator
measures by a known amount. Comparison of the expected
and actual activity values constitutes the test of linearity.
Source Decay A method of performing linearity tests on a dose calibrator by

measuring the initial activity of a source, accurately calculating its
decayed activity at prescribed time intervals, and making activity
measurements at those time intervals. Comparison of the calcu-
lated and actual activity values constitutes the test of linearity.

Traceability Refers to using sources for calibrating a dose calibrator

whose activities can be traced to the National Institute of
Standards & Technology.
Zero Calibration Compensating for electronic drifts in the input and output of
the electrometer of a dose calibrator so that they do not
affect the accuracy of the displayed activity. The Atomlab's
electrometer does this automatically by constantly subtract-
ing the first of two successive activity measurements from
the second, so that any offset is compensated for.

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix A
APPENDIX A:
ATOMLAB DOSE CALIBRATOR
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES
OVERVIEW
Should it appear that your Atomlab Dose Calibrator is not

functioning properly, the procedures explained in this appen-
dix, and on the Quick Reference Chart provided with this
manual, should allow you to determine whether a problem
does indeed exist and what steps can be taken to correct
the difficulty.
Should you encounter any of the problems discussed in the

following sections, immediately perform the accompanying
steps to ascertain whether your dose calibrator requires
servicing. If you conclude that it does, contact the Biodex
Customer Service Department at (631) 924-8355 for further
instructions.
This appendix assumes that you have performed all the

basic installation procedures presented in Chapter 2.
PROBLEM DESCRIPTIONS
The following problems are described in this appendix.
• System will not Power Up

• Fluctuations in Activity Measurement
• Unexpected Readings
• Detector Unit Circuit Breaker Function
• Printer Problems
• Determining the current Software Version
• Display Unit Fuse Inspection and Replacement
• Setting Up the Atomlab to accept 100 VAC or 240 VAC
• Important Notes about System Errors
SYSTEM WILL NOT POWER UP
If your Atomlab Dose Calibrator fails to power up, perform
Biodex Medical Systems A-1 Release 2.0

the following steps, proceeding to the next step only if the

current one fails to remedy the problem:
Procedure 1) Turn the Power Switch OFF for several seconds, then
switch it back on.
2) Turn the power OFF again and remove the Power Cord
from the electrical outlet. Remove the other end of the
Power Cord from the receptacle on the rear of the
Display Unit.
3) Re-insert the Power Cord into the receptacle and then

plug the Power Cord back into the outlet. Turn the
power back ON.
4) Turn the power OFF, remove the Power Cord from the
outlet and verify that the voltage of the outlet is correct.
If not, repair the outlet or find another outlet that
provides the required voltage. Re-insert the Power Cord
and turn the power back ON.
5) Turn the power OFF, remove the Power Cord from the
outlet and remove the Fuse Holder, as described later in
this appendix (see Figure A-1). Verify that both fuses
are intact. If one or both are not, replace. Re-insert the
Fuse Holder into the rear panel of the Display Unit. Re-
insert the Power Cord into the outlet and turn the power
back ON.
If your system still will not power up, call the Biodex
Customer Service Department.
FLUCTUATIONS IN ACTIVITY MEASUREMENT
When the system is displaying activity for the more common

isotopes, the electrometer continually averages the data it
receives from the detector. This ensures, for most readings,
a stable Activity Display.
After you insert an isotope into the Detector and select the
properly calibrated key, the display may vary at low activity
values as the system acquires the new data. After a short

time the Activity Display will stabilize, with expected fluctua-

tions described below. If the display continues to fluctuate,
and you have verified it is not because of a high Calibration
Value, consult Biodex Customer Service Department.
Display Fluctua- For some isotopes which require a high Calibration Value,
tions For High you may observe fluctuations of ±0.5 µCi or more. Keep in
Calibration mind that the Calibration Value for an Isotope is related to
Values gain of the electrometer, or by what factor the electrometer
has to amplify the signal from the detector. The Calibration
for Tc-99m is 33.6, and a reading of 10 µCi for Tc-99m is
equivalent to 10-12 Amps measured by the electrometer.
High Calibration Values impact gains so that the electrome-
ter amplifies inherent noise to a greater degree. Thus,
greater fluctuations are observed in the Activity Display.
For instance, the Calibration Value for Co-60 is 5.0. The

fluctuation due to noise probably would not be noticeable
(±0.01 µCi). The fluctuation due to noise for Tc-99m (33.6)
is approximately ±0.05 µCi. For an isotope requiring a
Calibration Value of 500 (for P-32 it is 632) the fluctuation
will be ±0.5 µCi or more.
Mo-99 The Atomlab Dose Calibrator begins averaging display data

Fluctuations the moment you press the Mo-99 key (Calibration Value
=180). This means that at first the fluctuations will seem rel-
atively high before gradually decreasing. This is why the
Atomlab Dose Calibrator provides the 30-second count-
down. In addition, the relatively high Calibration Value
means the fluctuation due to inherent noise will be slightly
higher than for the other common isotopes. Again, these
fluctuations are to be expected and do not require any
action on your part.
UNEXPECTED READINGS
If for some reason you suspect that the reading on the

Activity Display is inaccurate, ensure that the Calibration
Value for the proper Isotope Selection key is correct.

PRINTER PROBLEMS
Should you experience problems with your Printer, consult

the manufacturer's manual or Chapters 2 and 5 of this man-
ual. Also perform the following steps:
1) With the Display Unit power OFF, disconnect and re-

connect the Printer cables (communication and power).
2) Ensure that the Printer has been properly configured for

use: the Paper Holders, Paper Roll, and Ribbon have all
been inserted properly, the DIP switches are set
properly, the Power Switch is ON, etc.
DETERMINING THE CURRENT SOFTWARE VERSION
To determine the current software version for Atomlab 100

Plus systems:
1) Press SETUP four times. The isotope dial values will be

displayed in the electronic thumbwheel display.
2) Press the TEST button and the display software version

will be listed in the electronic thumbwheel display. Press
the TEST button again, and the chamber software version
will be listed.
3) Press the TEST button again. The electronic thumbwheel

will now indicate that the high voltage is ON. Press TEST
again to return to the standard isotope calibration dial
reading.
4) Press SETUP to return to standard operating mode.
NOTE: The form printed out after power up, and after
pressing the TEST key, also shows the software versions of
the Display and Chamber Units.

DISPLAY UNIT FUSE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT
The following section provides the procedure to remove the

Fuse Holder. Refer to Figure 2-3, which shows the rear
panel of the Atomlab Display Unit, and Figure A-1, which
illustrates the actual Fuse Holder replacement procedure.
CAUTION: Due to the possibility of electrical shock, danger

of injury to yourself and damage to the equipment does
exist. Be sure to switch the power OFF, and unplug the unit,
before proceeding.
MISE EN GARDE: Due à la possibilité de choc électrique, il

existe un danger de vous blesser ou de causer des dom -
mages à l’équipement. Assurez-vous de bien fermer l’ap -
pareil et de le débrancher avant de procéder.
Procedure 1) Rotate the Display Unit so that you are looking at the
rear panel. Directly to the right of the connector labeled
CHAMBER (between the power plug and ON/OFF
switch), locate the Fuse Holder. This is labeled in the
center with USE ONLY WITH 250V FUSES, on the
bottom with100V-120V read upright and on the top with
200V-240V read upside down.
2) The orientation of the Fuse Holder determines the
Orientation power the Atomlab unit requires. If the label
100V-120V can be read upright (the label 200V-240V is
upside down), and the corresponding arrow directly
below the label points to the arrow on the rear panel
directly below the Fuse Holder, then you must plug your
dose calibrator into an 100 VAC power source.
If, conversely, the label 200-240 can be read upright (the

label 100V-120V is upside down), and the corresponding
arrow directly below the label points to the arrow on the
rear panel directly below the Fuse Holder, then you must
plug your dose calibrator into a 200 VAC power source.
3) There is a small indentation to the left of the Fuse

Holder. Insert the end of a flat-edged screwdriver into
the indentation and gently pry the Fuse Holder out
slightly. Now, use your fingers to pull the Fuse Holder
out of the panel.

Fuse Inspection Once the Fuse Holder is removed, inspect the filament at
the center of the two fuses. If it is burned or broken in any
way the fuse must be replaced. If the filament does not
appear to be broken or burned, test the fuse for continuity
with an ohm meter.
Figure A-1: Removing the Fuse Holder

Fuse The following fuses must be used:

Replacement
100-120 VAC Two SLO-BLO 5x20 mm 1/2 Amp
200-240 VAC Two SLO-BLO 5x20 mm 1/4 Amp
CAUTION: The danger of damage to the equipment exists.

Be sure you properly orient the Fuse Holder prior to replac -
ing it.
MISE EN GARDE: Danger de dommage à l’équipement.

Assurez-vous de bien orienter le support de fusibles avant
de le remplacer.
Fuse Holder To replace the Fuse Holder, position it into the indentation
Replacement from which it was removed and gently push it back into
place. It is critical to first determine the particular power
requirement (100 VAC or 240 VAC) and ensure the Fuse
Holder is properly oriented before turning the system back
ON. See step 2) above.
SETTING UP FOR 100 VAC OR 240 VAC
Figure 2-3 shows the proper orientation of the Fuse Holder

to set up your Dose Calibrator for 100 VAC operation. The
Fuse Holder contains two 1/2 Amp, 250 VAC fuses.
If you should wish to set up your system to accept 240 VAC,

remove the Fuse Holder, as described above, replace the
existing fuses with 1/4 Amp, 250 VAC fuses, and then
replace the Fuse Holder with the proper orientation.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT SYSTEM ERRORS
Following the Self-Test, if a fault has been detected the

TEST LED will remain on and the Electronic Thumbwheel
Display (#1) will show the first error message in the Form
"Er.1, Er.2", etc. Each time you press the TEST key the next
Error Message, if further faults have been detected, will be
displayed. The TEST LED will flash continuously to inform
you that more errors have been detected.

NOTE: In some instances an electronics glitch will cause an

error to be displayed, even though there is no problem with
your dose calibrator. For this reason, be sure to run the
Self-Test a second time if an initial review of the problem
indicates no fault exists.
NOTE: For certain error faults you can press the TEST key
and continue to use your dose calibrator. The LED on the
TEST key will continue to flash, reminding you that action to
correct the problem must eventually be taken. Some of
these faults can be easily corrected over the phone by the
Biodex Customer Service Department. Other faults, however,
require that you return the dose calibrator to Biodex Medical
Systems for servicing.
Caution: Only qualified service personnel should remove

the chamber cover. There is an electrical shock hazard.
Components under the cover operate at aproximately 350
volts. The chamber bias supply capacitors require at least
two weeks, with the power disconnected, to discharge to
less than 50 volts
ATTENTION: On ne doit confier qu'à un personnel d'entre -

tien qualifié le soin de déposer le couvercle de la chambre
d'ionisation. II y risque de danger électronique. Les com -
posants sous le couvercle font ionnent sous une tension
d'environ 350 V. La chambre d'ionisation est dotée de con -
densateurs qui nécessitent au moins deux semaines d'ali -
mentation débranchée pour se décharger à moins de 50 V.

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix B
APPENDIX B:
ATOMLAB 100 PLUS DOSE CALIBRATOR
SPECIFICATIONS
OVERVIEW
This appendix provides the physical and operating

specifications of your Atomlab Dose Calibrator.
MEASUREMENT RANGE
For Tc-99m, 0.01 µCi to 9999 mCi, auto-ranging.
DISPLAY RANGES
Units are user selectable:
Ci Bq Ci Equivalent
00.01-19.99 µC i .001-1.999 MBq 54.0 µC i

20.0-199.9 µC i 2.00-19.99 MBq 540. µC i
200.-1999. µC i 20.0-199.9 MBq 5.40 mCi
2.00-19.99 mCi .200-1.999 GBq 54.0 mCi
20.0-199.9 mCi 2.00-19.99 GBq 540. mCi
200.0-9999. mCi 20.0-399.9 GBq 10.8 Ci
RESPONSE TIME
Auto selection:
one second above 2 mCi;
3 seconds between 200 µCi and 2 mCi;
3-30 seconds below 200 µCi.
ACCURACY
Overall accuracy of activity determination for specific front

panel isotopes using the factory set Calibration Values is
within 3% or 0.3 µCi, whichever is greater.
Biodex Medical Systems B-1 Release 2.0

NOTE: Intercomparison of calibrated sources and the

Atomlab 100 Plus requires combining the uncertainties of
both the Atomlab 100 Plus and the calibrated source to
determine expected agreement.
Detector Within 1% or 0.2 µCi, whichever is greater.
Linearity
Electrometer Within 1% or 0.2 µCi, whichever is greater.

Linearity
Electrometer Within 1% or 0.2 µCi, whichever is greater.

Accuracy
Stability Short term (24 hours): within 0.3% above one mCi,
exclusive of background.
Long term (one year): within 1%.
NOISE
Display Fluctuations Activity Range
< 1 Digit > 199.9 µCi

< ±2 > 19.99 µCi
< ±4 0.01 to 19.99 µCi
ENERGY RANGE
25 keV to 3 MeV
ISOTOPE SELECTION
Ten pre-set Keys: Co-57, Cs-137, I-131, In-111, Ga-

67, Xe-133, I-123, Tl-201, Mo-99, and Tc-99m.
Two user programmable keys: 1 and 2.
OTHER key for setting on-the-spot calibration values for non-

standard isotopes.

The Mo-99 key is calibrated for Mo-99 assay in a shielded

vial of Tc-99m. The Atomlab 100 Plus provides a 30-second
countdown.
DETECTOR TYPE
Well-type pressurized ionization chamber, with Argon filled

gas. Replaceable plastic liner included. Dimensions are:
Well opening: 2.5 in. (6.4 cm)

Well depth: 10.25 in. (26 cm)
Detector Shield 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) lead surrounding ionization chamber, with
top well opening.
Chamber Bias 300 volt electronic power supply.
ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
Temperature: 0 to 40°C
Humidity: 0 to 95% rh, non-condensing
For optimum performance, the Atomlab 100 Plus should be

operated in a normal laboratory environment where the tem-
perature and humidity are maintained for normal human
comfort and the ambient radiation level is low and constant.
PHYSICAL DATA
Display Unit Detector Unit
Size: 3.75 x 12 x 14.3" 7.5 x 7.5 x 16.25"

(9.5 x 30.5 x 36.3 cm) (19 x 19 x 41.3 cm)
Weight: 6 lbs. (2.72 kgs.) 35 lbs. (15.9 kgs.)
POWER
Line Voltage 100 to 120 VAC 1/2 A, or 200 to 240

VAC 1/4 A, selectable with fuse card.

Line Frequency 50/60 Hz
Detachable line cord. Built-in EMI filter and transient sup-

pression.
DETECTOR CABLE
Length 10 ft. (3.1 m)
Conductors Six total: two for power, one for chassis ground, three for
serial data.
Connectors AMP Mate-n-Lock, white with hooded strain relief.
FRONT PANEL
Activity Display Four digit, seven segment red LED, 0.57 in. (14.5 mm)
high, four floating decimal point indicators between digits.
Activity Units Four discrete inscriptions back lit with large red LEDs: mCi,
µC i, MBq or GBq (right adjacent to digits).
All Keys Momentary contact, rubber with conductive pad.
Adjacent red LED to indicate selection.
Isotope Selection I-131, In-111, Ga-67, Xe-133, I-123,Tl-201,Mo-99,

Keys and Tc-99m.
Each key has a pre-assigned Calibration Value for activity

measurements in a standard syringe or vial form.
Keys can be reset for new Calibration Values.
The Mo-99 key is calibrated for Mo-99 assay in a shielded

vial of Tc-99m. The Atomlab 100 Plus provides a 30-second
countdown.
Calibrator
Constancy Co-57 and Cs-137: used for accuracy and constancy
Isotope Keys checks.

Other Isotope OTHER, 1, and 2: allows activity display of other isotopes. In

Keys Setup mode the OTHER key selects units.
Electronic Four digit, seven segment red LED, 0.27 in. (6.9 mm) high,
Thumbwheel with colon between second and third digits, and three float-
Display ing LED decimal point indicators between digits. Range is
from 000.1 to 999.
Increment/ Two round Increment/Decrement keys below Display. When

Decrement Keys an Increment/Decrement key is depressed momentarily, the
Display changes accordingly by one digit. If the key is held
down, the Display changes slowly at first (1 digit per 1/4
second), then more quickly after two-and-one-half seconds
(ten digits per 1/4 second), after which the display will
change full range in about seven seconds.
Electronic Displays Calibration Value when OTHER, 1, or 2 has been

Thumbwheel selected;
Associated Keys Error Number when Er. is lit;
Calibration Value of pre-selected isotope when in Setup

mode (000.1 - 999.).
Control Function The key immediately to the right of the Electronic

Keys Thumbwheel Display acts as an ENTER key.
The SETUP key allows Tme/Display setting, the selection of

activity display units and the calibration of all of the Isotope
Selection keys.
The TEST key enables the Dose Calibrator's Self-Test pro-

gram, which includes a test of the electrometer sensitivity,
chamber bias supply, software checksum, and the display.
The BKGND key enables the background radiation measure-

ment for storage and automatic correction.
The Print key allows the printing of the Radionuclide Activity

Record.

Calibrator QA • Test: internal diagnostics
• Constancy: Stores daily constancy measurement and

compares to decayed value (Co-57, Ba-133 & Cs-137
CLOCK
Displays time and calendar in Setup mode.
PRINT
Radionuclide Activity Record, this month, last month and

QC Test results.
Printer Impact dot matrix; rolled paper/labels.
• Dimensions: 3.9" x 7.9" x 7.9"

(9.9cm x 20cm x 20cm)
• Weight: 4 lbs. (8.9 kgs.)
Authorized European Community Representative: Prothia, Paris, France

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix C
APPENDIX C:
DECAY CALCULATIONS
OVERVIEW
This appendix provides methods of performing radioisotope
decay calculations.
The first section provides two methods of performing Decay

Calculations, the second section provides the Decay Factor
Chart, and the third section provides an explanation of how
the procedures used in the first section, and the Decay
Factor Chart in the second section, are generated.
DECAY CALCULATION METHODS –

CALCULATOR METHOD
If you are using a calculator with the Yx function, perform
the following:
1) Measure the current activity A0 of the radioisotope.
2) Look up the half life T1/2 of the radioisotope in Appendix

D. Note the time units.
3) T1/2 = Half life of the isotope

t = Elapsed Time
A = Current Activity
A0 = Activity at the time of calibration
4) Calculate A = A0 x 2(-t/T1/2)
5) Calculate the elapsed time (t) in the same units as the

(T1/2) that will elapse between when the calibrated activity
measurement was made and when you wish to know what
the decayed activity of your radioisotope will be.
Sample The following is a calculation of the decayed activity of Tc-

Calculation 99m, with an initial activity of 43 mCi, after 53 minutes:
1) A0 = 43 mCi.
2) For Tc-99m, T1/2 = 6.007 h.
Biodex Medical Systems C-1 Release 2.0

3) Elapsed t = 53 min x 1 hr = 0.8833 hrs

60 min
4) A0 x 2(-t/T1/2)
A = 43 mCi x 2(-0.8833/6.007)
A = 43 mCi x 2(-0.147045)
A = 43 mCi x 0.903
A = 38.83 mCi
DECAY FACTOR METHOD

The following method is used to perform radioisotope decay
calculations using a calculator without the ex function:
1) Measure the current activity Ai of the radioisotope.
2) Look up the half life T1/2 of the radioisotope in Appendix

D. Note the time units.
3) Calculate the time t, in the same units as T1/2, that will

elapse between when the activity measurement was
made and when you wish to know what the decayed
activity of your radioisotope will be.
4) Calculate t / T1/2 in terms of N + R, where N is an

integer (0, 1, 2, etc.) and R is less than 1.
5) Look up Xn (N) in Table 1.
6) Look up Xr (R) in the Decay Factor Chart.
7) Calculate Af = Ai x Xn (N) x Xr (R).

Sample The following is a calculation of the decayed activity of Tc-
Calculation 99m, with an initial activity of 43 mCi, after 32.5 hours:
1) Ai = 43 mCi.
2) For Tc-99m, T1/2 = 6.007 h.
3) t = 32.5 h.
4) t / T1/2 = 32.5 h / 6.007 = 5.410. N = 5, R = 0.410.

5) From Table 1, Xn (5) = 0.03125.
6) From the Decay Factor Chart, the .41 row and the .001
column, Xr (.410) = .75262.
7) Af = Ai x Xn (N) x Xr (R) = 43 mCi x (0.03125) x

(.75262)
= 1.01 mCi.
N Xn (N) = 2 -N
0 1
1 0.5
2 0.25
3 0.125
4 0.0625
5 0.03125
6 0.01563
7 0.007813
8 0.003906
9 0.001953
10 0.000977
Table 1

DECAY FACTOR CHART

Xr (R), where R = t / T1/2 (0.000 to 0.499)
R .000 .001 .002 .003 .004 .005 .006 .007 .008 .009
.00 1.00000 .99931 .99861 .99792 .99723 .99654 .99585 .99516 .99447 .99378
.01 .99309 .99240 .99172 .99103 .99034 .98966 .98897 .98829 .98760 .98692
.02 .98623 .98555 .98487 .98418 .98350 .98282 .98214 .98146 .98078 .98010
.03 .97942 .97874 .97806 .97739 .97671 .97603 .97536 .97468 .97400 .97333
.04 .97265 .97198 .97131 .97063 .96996 .96929 .96862 .96795 .96728 .96661
.05 .96594 .96527 .96460 .96393 .96326 .96259 .96193 .96126 .96059 .95993
.06 .95926 .95860 .95794 .95727 .95661 .95595 .95528 .95462 .95396 .95330
.07 .95264 .95198 .95132 .95066 .95000 .94934 .94868 .94803 .94737 .94671
.08 .94606 .94540 .94475 .94409 .94344 .94278 .94213 .94148 .94083 .94017
.09 .93952 .93887 .93822 .93757 .93692 .93627 .93562 .93498 .93433 .93368
.10 .93303 .93239 .93174 .93109 .93045 .92980 .92916 .92852 .92787 .92723
.11 .92659 .92595 .92530 .92477 .92402 .92338 .92274 .92210 .92146 .92083
.12 .92019 .91955 .91891 .91828 .91764 .91700 .91637 .91573 .91510 .91447
.13 .91383 .91320 .91257 .91193 .91130 .91067 .91004 .90941 .90878 .90815
.14 .90752 .90689 .90626 .90563 .90501 .90438 .90375 .90313 .90250 .90188
.15 .90125 .90063 .90000 .89938 .89876 .89813 .89751 .89689 .89627 .89565
.16 .89503 .89440 .89379 .89317 .89255 .89193 .89131 .89069 .89008 .88946
.17 .88884 .88823 .88761 .88700 .88638 .88577 .88515 .88454 .88393 .88332
.18 .88270 .88209 .88148 .88087 .88026 .87965 .87904 .87843 .87782 .87721
.19 .87661 .87600 .87539 .87478 .87418 .87357 .87297 .87236 .87176 .87115
.20 .87055 .86995 .86934 .86874 .86814 .86754 .86694 .86634 .86574 .86514
.21 .86454 .86394 .86334 .86274 .86214 .86155 .86095 .86035 .85976 .85916
.22 .85857 .85797 .85738 .85678 .85619 .85559 .85500 .85441 .85382 .85323
.23 .85263 .85204 .85145 .85086 .85027 .84968 .84910 .84851 .84792 .84733
.24 .84675 .84616 .84557 .84499 .84440 .84382 .84323 .84265 .84206 .84148
.25 .84090 .84031 .83973 .83915 .83857 .83799 .83741 .83683 .83625 .83567
.26 .83509 .83451 .83393 .83335 .83278 .83220 .83162 .83105 .83047 .82989
.27 .82932 .82874 .82817 .82760 .82702 .82645 .82588 .82531 .82473 .82416
.28 .82359 .82302 .82245 .82188 .82131 .82074 .82017 .81960 .81904 .81847
.29 .81790 .81734 .81677 .81620 .81564 .81507 .81451 .81394 .81338 .81282
.30 .81225 .81169 .81113 .81057 .81000 .80944 .80888 .80832 .80776 .80720
.31 .80664 .80608 .80552 .80497 .80441 .80385 .80329 .80274 .80218 .80163
.32 .80107 .80051 .79996 .79941 .79885 .79830 .79775 .79719 .79664 .79609
.33 .79554 .79499 .79443 .79388 .79333 .79278 .79223 .79169 .79114 .79059
.34 .79004 .78949 .78895 .78840 .78785 .78731 .78676 .78622 .78567 .78513
.35 .78458 .78404 .78350 .78295 .78241 .78187 .78133 .78079 .78025 .77970
.36 .77916 .77862 .77809 .77755 .77701 .77647 .77593 .77539 .77486 .77432
.37 .77378 .77325 .77271 .77218 .77164 .77111 .77057 .77004 .76950 .76897
.38 .76844 .76791 .76737 .76684 .76631 .76578 .76525 .76472 .76419 .76366
.39 .76313 .76260 .76207 .76154 .76102 .76049 .75996 .75944 .75891 .75838
.40 .75786 .75733 .75681 .75628 .75576 .75524 .75471 .75419 .75367 .75315
.41 .75262 .75210 .75158 .75106 .75054 .75002 .74950 .74898 .74846 .74794
.42 .74742 .74691 .74639 .74587 .74536 .74484 .74432 .74381 .74329 .74278
.43 .74226 .74175 .74123 .74072 .74021 .73969 .73918 .73867 .73816 .73765
.44 .73713 .73662 .73611 .73560 .73509 .73458 .73408 .73357 .73306 .73255
.45 .73204 .73154 .73103 .73052 .73002 .72951 .72900 .72850 .72799 .72749
.46 .72699 .72648 .72598 .72548 .72497 .72447 .72397 .72347 .72297 .72247
.47 .72196 .72146 .72096 .72047 .71997 .71947 .71897 .71847 .71797 .71747
.48 .71698 .71648 .71598 .71549 .71499 .71450 .71400 .71351 .71301 .71252
.49 .71203 .71153 .71104 .71055 .71005 .70956 .70907 .70858 .70809 .70760

DECAY FACTOR CHART

Xr (R), where R = t / T1/2 (0.500 to 1.0)
R .000 .001 .002 .003 .004 .005 .006 .007 .008 .009
.50 .70711 .70662 .70613 .70564 .70515 .70466 .70417 .70368 .70320 .70271
.51 .70222 .70174 .70125 .70076 .70028 .69979 .69931 .69882 .69834 .69786
.52 .69737 .69689 .69641 .69592 .69544 .69496 .69448 .69400 .69352 .69304
.53 .69255 .69208 .69160 .69112 .69064 .69016 .68968 .68920 .68873 .68825
.54 .68777 .68729 .68682 .68634 .68587 .68539 .68492 .68444 .68397 .68349
.55 .68302 .68255 .68207 .68160 .68113 .68066 .68019 .67971 .67924 .67877
.56 .67830 .67783 .67736 .67689 .67642 .67596 .67549 .67502 .67455 .67408
.57 .67362 .67315 .67268 .67222 .67175 .67129 .67082 .67036 .66989 .66943
.58 .66896 .66850 .66804 .66757 .66711 .66665 .66619 .66573 .66526 .66480
.59 .66434 .66388 .66342 .66296 .66250 .66204 .66159 .66113 .66067 .66021
.60 .65975 .65930 .65884 .65838 .65793 .65747 .65702 .65656 .65611 .65565
.61 .65520 .65474 .65429 .65384 .65338 .65293 .65248 .65203 .65157 .65112
.62 .65067 .65022 .64977 .64932 .64887 .64842 .64797 .64752 .64707 .64662
.63 .64618 .64573 .64528 .64483 .64439 .64394 .64349 .64305 .64260 .64216
.64 .64171 .64127 .64082 .64038 .63994 .63949 .63905 .63861 .63816 .63772
.65 .63728 .63684 .63640 .63596 .63552 .63508 .63464 .63420 .63376 .63332
.66 .63288 .63244 .63200 .63156 .63113 .63069 .63025 .62982 .62938 .62894
.67 .62851 .62807 .62764 .62720 .62677 .62633 .62590 .62546 .62503 .62460
.68 .62417 .62373 .62330 .62287 .62244 .62201 .62157 .62114 .62071 .62028
.69 .61985 .61942 .61900 .61857 .61814 .61771 .61728 .61685 .61643 .61600
.70 .61557 .61515 .61472 .61429 .61387 .61344 .61302 .61259 .61217 .61174
.71 .61132 .61090 .61047 .61005 .60963 .60921 .60878 .60836 .60794 .60752
.72 .60710 .60668 .60626 .60584 .60542 .60500 .60458 .60416 .60374 .60332
.73 .60290 .60249 .60207 .60165 .60123 .60082 .60040 .59999 .59957 .59915
.74 .59874 .59832 .59791 .59750 .59708 .59667 .59625 .59584 .59543 .59502
.75 .59460 .59419 .59378 .59337 .59296 .59255 .59214 .59173 .59132 .59091
.76 .59050 .59009 .58968 .58927 .58886 .58845 .58805 .58764 .58723 .58682
.77 .58642 .58601 .58561 .58520 .58479 .58439 .58398 .58358 .58317 .58277
.78 .58237 .58196 .58156 .58116 .58075 .58035 .57995 .57955 .57915 .57875
.79 .57834 .57794 .57754 .57714 .57674 .57634 .57594 .57554 .57515 .57475
.80 .57435 .57395 .57355 .57316 .57276 .57236 .57197 .57157 .57117 .57078
.81 .57038 .56999 .56959 .56920 .56880 .56841 .56801 .56762 .56723 .56683
.82 .56644 .56605 .56566 .56527 .56487 .56448 .56409 .56370 .56331 .56292
.83 .56253 .56214 .56175 .56136 .56097 .56058 .56019 .55981 .55942 .55903
.84 .55864 .55826 .55787 .55748 .55710 .55671 .55632 .55594 .55555 .55517
.85 .55478 .55440 .55402 .55363 .55325 .55287 .55248 .55210 .55172 .55133
.86 .55095 .55057 .55019 .54981 .54943 .54905 .54867 .54829 .54791 .54753
.87 .54715 .54677 .54639 .54601 .54563 .54525 .54488 .54450 .54412 .54374
.88 .54337 .54299 .54261 .54224 .54186 .54149 .54111 .54074 .53036 .53999
.89 .53961 .53924 .53887 .53849 .53812 .53775 .53737 .53700 .53663 .53626
.90 .53589 .53552 .53514 .53477 .53440 .53403 .53366 .53329 .53292 .53255
.91 .53218 .53182 .53145 .53108 .53071 .53034 .52998 .52961 .52924 .52888
.92 .52851 .52814 .52778 .52741 .52705 .52668 .52632 .52595 .52559 .52522
.93 .52486 .52449 .52413 .52377 .52340 .52304 .52268 .52232 .52196 .52159
.94 .52123 .52087 .52051 .52015 .51979 .51943 .51907 .51871 .51835 .51799
.95 .51763 .51727 .51692 .51656 .51620 .51584 .51548 .51513 .51477 .51441
.96 .51406 .51370 .51334 .51299 .51263 .51228 .51192 .51157 .51121 .51086
.97 .51051 .51015 .50980 .50945 .50909 .50874 .50839 .50803 .50768 .50733
.98 .50698 .50663 .50628 .50593 .50558 .50523 .50488 .50453 .50418 .50383
.99 .50348 .50313 .50278 .50243 .50208 .50174 .50139 .50104 .50069 .50035
1.0 .50000

Calculator EXPLANATION OF DECAY CALCULATION METHODS

Method The radioactivity of an isotope can be calculated as it
decays using the following expression:
Af = Ai e-λt
where
Af = final activity at the end of the decay time;
Ai = initial activity measured at some starting time;
t = net decay time in units inverse to λ; and
λ = (lamda) decay constant specific to the radioisotope.
λ = ln (2) / T1/2 = 0.693 / T1/2
where
T1/2 = half life specific to the radioisotope.
So, using a calculator with the ex function, decay calcula-

tions can easily be performed, as shown in the first section
of this appendix.
Decay Factor If you do not have a calculator with the ex function, the
Method above expression can be rewritten as follows:
Af = X Ai
where
X = Xn (N) x Xr (R)
N = integer number of half lives in time t; and
R = decimal remainder after dividing t by T1/2. To verify this,

remember three important relations regarding exponentials:
e(A + B) = eA x eB ;
eln(A) = A ; and

eAB = (eA)B .
Now t / T1/2 = N + R
where N is an integer, and R is the remainder less than 1.
For t = 32.5 hours and T1/2 = 6.007 hours,
t / T1/2 = 32.5 / 6.007 = 5.410
so that N = 5 and R = 0.410.
Now, to simplify calculations, we can write the above rela-

tion as:
Af = Ai e-λt = Ai e-ln (2)t / T1/2
Af = Ai e-ln (2)(N + R) = Ai e-ln (2)N x e-ln (2)R
= Ai x Xn (N) x Xr (R)
Xn (N) = e-ln (2)N = (eln (2))-N = 2-N
This expression is used to generate the values in Table 1.
Xr (R) = e-ln (2)R
This expression is used to generate the Decay Factor Chart

for values of R from 0.001 to 0.999.
For the above example
Xn (5) = 0.03125
Xr (0.410) = 0.75262
Af = X Ai = [Xn (N) x Xr (R)] Ai = [0.03125 x 0.75262] 43 mCi
Af = 1.01 mCi

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix D
APPENDIX D
ATOMLAB DOSE CALIBRATOR
PRE-SET CALIBRATION VALUES
OVERVIEW
This appendix provides the preset Calibration Values for the

standard Isotope Selection keys on your Atomlab Dose
Calibrator, as well as the half-lives for the radioisotopes.
These preset calibration values are dependent on the firm-

ware level of your Chamber Unit. Atomlab users with firm-
ware level six or greatershould refer to Chart A, below. If
your firmware level is five or less, refer to Chart B on the
following page.
To determine the firmware level of your dose calibrator, refer

to Appendix H.
Chart A
(For Chamber Units with level six firmware only.)
Isotope Selection T1/2 Pre-Set

Key Calibration Value
Tc-99m 6.007 h 33.6
Mo-99 65.92 h 180
Tl-201 72.91 h 18.8
I-123 13.221 h 12.9
Xe-133 5.243 d 19.0
Ga-67 3.261 d 30.2
In-111 2.805 d 12.7
I-131 8.021 d 22.2
Cs-137 30.0 y 17.4
Co-57 271.7 d 29.3
NOTE: Refer to Appendix E for full level 6 dial value chart.
Biodex Medical Systems D-1 Release 2.0

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix D
Chart B
(For Chamber Units with firmware level five or less.)
Isotope Selection T1/2 Pre-Set

Key Calibration Value
Tc-99m 6.007 h 31.5
Mo-99 65.92 h 179
Tl-201 72.91 h 18.0
I-123 13.221 h 14.4
Xe-133 5.243 d 19.6
Ga-67 3.261 d 28.0
In-111 2.805 d 13.5
I-131 8.021 d 22.6
Cs-137 30.0 y 17.3
Co-57 271.7 d 27.0
Biodex Medical Systems D-2 Release 2.0

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix E
APPENDIX E:
CALIBRATION VALUES
FOR VERSION SIX FIRMWARE OTHER ISOTOPE
SELECTIONS
OVERVIEW
This appendix provides Calibration Values which you may

use to program the non-standard Isotope Selection keys of
your Atomlab Dose Calibrator.
These values are dependent on the firmware level of your

Chamber Unit. Atomlab users with firmware level six or
above should refer to Chart A on page D-1. If your firmware
level is five or less, refer to Chart B on page D-2.
To determine the firmware level of your dose calibrator, refer

to Appendix H.
NOTE: For Y-90, be sure to see the section "Dial Settings

for Y-90", at the end of this chapter.
Biodex Medical Systems E-1 Release 2.0








DIAL SETTINGS FOR Y-90

The typical Atomlab Dose Calibrator dial setting for Y-90
activity in a 10 cc plastic syringe is 375. This value can be
used as a starting point for initial measurements. However,
it is recommended that the dial setting used for clinical
measurements be determined from the first dose of Zevalin
received from the radiopharmacy, as outlined below. Follow
on doses should then be compared to the radiopharmacy
doses for constancy.
A sampling of Atomlab Dose Calibrators has been tested

with a NIST traceable Y-90 activity in a 10 cc plastic syringe
geometry with volumes ranging from three to nine cc. A Dial
setting range for Y-90 was determined to be 363 to 394 for
an accurate activity measurement. The average volume
dependence for this sampling of Atomlab Dose Calibrators
was determined to be 0.13%/cc, using three, four, five, six,
seven, eight and nine cc in the 10 cc plastic syringe.
Therefore, the volume dependence is negligible and the
same dial setting can be used for all volumes as distributed
by IDEC for Y-90 Zevalin.
The Y-90 recipient, using an Atomlab Dose Calibrator,

should determine the correct dial value from the first Y-90
dose that they receive from a commercial radiopharmacy.
This is determined by selecting the OTHER key and adjust-
ing the dial setting until the displayed activity agrees with
the decay corrected Y-90 syringe activity as stated by the
commercial radiopharmacy. If the adjusted dial setting falls
within the range of 363 to 394, then use that dial setting.
If it falls outside the range, then verify that:

a) there is a well liner in place
b) a hook style dipper is used
c) the annual accuracy and daily constancy tests
results are acceptable

If these criteria are met, then determine the percent differ-

ence of the new dial value with respect to the nearest range
limit value (363 or 394), i.e., Dial Value Error (DVE). Add
this percent to the Change in Constancy Percent Error
(CCPE). If the sum of the errors is in the range of -2% to
+2%, then the new dial value should be used. If not, contact
Biodex Technical Support. The user may also want to con-
tact the radiopharmacy to determine if a calibration error
may have occurred.
NOTE: The CCPE is the percent change from calibrator

installation of the constancy measurement, where CCPE =
"Today's" Constancy Percent Error – "Installation's"
Constancy Percent Error. The Constancy Percent Error is
the measurement error with respect to the decay corrected
source activity. A change down in the Atomlab Calibrator
constancy will cause a change up in the dial value required
to compensate the change in constancy, and visa-a versa.
Thus, the CCPE will have the opposite sign as the DVE, so
adding them should cancel to within 2%.
For example, a new dial value for Y-90 is found to be 400.

This falls outside the range and is +1.5% higher than 394.
The constancy measurement shows a -2.5% change since
the Dose Calibrator was installed. Their sum is (+1.5%) +
(-2.5%) = -1.0%, which within -2% and +2%. The dial value
of 400 should be used.
NOTE: For all Dose Calibrator Models, the well liner must
be installed before making measurements. The well liner
provides attenuation for the Y-90 betas that would otherwise
enter the chamber and cause high readings.

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix F
APPENDIX F
ATOMLAB DOSE CALIBRATOR CALIBRATION
AND TRACEABILITY
OVERVIEW
This appendix describes the calibration procedures per-

formed on your Atomlab Dose Calibrator and their traceabili-
ty to the National Institute of Standards & Technology.
CALIBRATION & TRACEABILITY
The calibration of the Atomlab Dose Calibrators is directly

traceable to the National Institute of Standards &
Technology, formerly the National Bureau of Standards
(NBS). This is achieved through the establishment of a set
of working laboratory standards, the maintenance of these
working standards, and the use of these working standards
to calibrate each Atomlab Dose Calibrator.
The working standards consist of two ionization chambers

identical to the chambers used in each Atomlab Dose
Calibrator for radiation measurement, and several long-lived
radiation sources.
The two standard ionization chambers have been calibrated

using radionuclides that were calibrated by the National
Institute of Standards & Technology, generating response
numbers. These response numbers were then used to
determine the photon response function of the ionization
chambers. The shielding configuration is identical to that of
the Atomlab Dose Calibrator design.
The National Institute of Standards & Technology sources

are in glass ampule form and, because of the potential for
breakage, are not suitable for routine calibration. Instead the
working standards are in epoxy resin form in a plastic vial E
package. These standards have been calibrated against the
National Institute of Standards & Technology sources in the
two standard ionization chambers. Together, the chambers
Biodex Medical Systems F-1 Release 2.0

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix F
and the sources provide a high degree of accuracy and

redundancy. Periodically, the source activity is measured in
the two standard chambers and the results are compared to
the expected decayed activity.
The Atomlab Dose Calibrator must first pass all electronic

testing and operate for three days prior to calibration.
Calibration then takes place with the Co-60 working stan-
dard. The calibration value is stored in a special memory
chip on the chamber circuit board. Calibration is then veri-
fied by measuring the activity of all the working standards,
including Co-60, Cs-137, Ba-133, and Co-57.
Finally a Tc-99m source in a 10 ml vial of saline is calibrat-

ed in the two standard ionization chambers. After calibra-
tion, the response to the Tc-99m standard is measured and
verified to be within 2%.
Biodex Medical Systems F-2 Release 2.0

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix G
APPENDIX G:
ATOMLAB 100 PLUS COMPUTER INTERCONNECTION
With the standard serial interface board installed, there will be

a 9-pin male connector in the location labeled PC PORT on the
rear panel of the Display Unit. The Atomlab Dose Calibrator will
continually transmit data to the port, whether a remote PC is
connected or not. Data transmitted is Activity Value, Isotope
Selected, and the Calibration Value for that isotope.
NOTE: The software to perform this remote communication

will have to be individually tailored for the particular PC you
intend to use. Although Biodex Medical Systems does not
carry the software, we can provide the names of companies
that do.
PC PORT COMMUNICATIONS
The PC port is bidirectional and your dose calibrator recog-

nizes the following commands:
Command
Hex Ascii Key Meaning Response
0x03 ETX ^C Send one record One record is sent

0x11 DC1 ^Q Start automatic
transmission 0x06 ACK ^F
0x13 DC3 ^S Stop automatic
0x31 1 1 Send one record One record is sent
0x32 2 2 Start automatic
0x33 3 3 Stop automatic
The second group of commands is included to aid develop-

ers of third party software. The characters "1,2,3" will not be
intercepted or interrupted by off-the-shelf serial port soft-
ware packages, whereas the control characters very likely
will be.
Biodex Medical Systems G-1 Release 2.0

Do not attempt to communicate with the calibrator during its

power-up sequence. The response is undefined. All PC port
commands may be ignored after this attempt.
During normal operation, the above six characters are rec-

ognized, all others are ignored.
The PC port operates at 4800 baud, no parity, 8 data bits

and 1 stop bit.
Records The start of a record character is a tilde (0x7E ~ ~) (Hex

Ascii Key). The end of a record character is a line feed
(0x0A LF ^J). A record is made up of four fields. The field
separator is one or more spaces (0x20 SPSpacebar).
Dose Calibrator The first field starts with the first character after the title and
Records continues until a space is encountered. It may be from two
till six characters in length. There are thirteen isotope
names. Typical sample records are shown below (version 5
firmware):
~Tc-99m 33.6 2.54 µCi

~Mo-99 180. 25.6 mCi
~Tl-201 18.8 14.0 MBq
~I-123 12.9 19.5 GBq
~Xe-133 19.0 1.57 µCi
~Ga-67 30.2 2.24 µCi
~In-111 12.7 -1.08 µCi
~I-131 22.2 1.80 µCi
~Sr-89 — —
~OTHER 17.
~Cs-137 17.4 1.37 µCi
~Ba-133 7.2
~Co-57 29.3 2.15 µCi

The second field is the dial value that is being used to cal-
culate activity. The third field is the numerical value of activi-
ty. This number may be positive or negative. The fourth and
last field is the units of activity. They will be either µCi, mCi,
MBq or GBq. The final character is the end of record char-
acter as described above.
NOTE FOR PCPLUS AND PROCOMM USERS
Load your communications software after your calibrator is

up and running. Press Alt-W to bring up the translation
table. Change 10 to be translated to 13. Press F3 to acti-
vate the translation table. (You may want to save this table
for future use.) Press Esc to exit this option. Press Alt-F3 to
add a line-feed after each carriage return. Records will
appear on your screen, one per line at the rate of approxi-
mately one record per second. If this is not the case, press
"3" to command the calibrator to use automatic transmis-
sion. If you would like to use "records on request only",
press "2". Then press "1" each time you would like the cali-
brator to send you a record.
ADDITIONAL CONTROLS
As of Version 5.0 of the Atomlab 100 Plus software, the PC

port for the calibrator will include additional commands that
will allow full control of the calibrator through the PC port. A
series of one byte codes are equated to each button on the
keyboard. All of the same key strokes that are valid from the
keyboard will be available to the user through the PC port.
The commands are the letters A-Z plus "[" and "\" for the 28
possible keys. This is Ascii codes 0x41 through 0x5C.
The Atomlab 100 Plus calibrator can be controlled through

the PC port. A series of one byte codes are equated to each
button on the keyboard. All of the same key strokes that are
valid from the keyboard will be available to the user through
the PC port. The commands are as follows:

CODE BUTTON
A Tc-99m
B Mo-99
C Ti-201
D I-123
E Xe-133
F Ga-67
G In-111
H I-131
I Sr-89
J OTHER
K Cs-137
L Ba-133
M Co-57
N SETUP
O TEST
P BKGND
Q Label
R This Month
S Last Month
T ENTER
U N/A
V N/A
W Up Arrow ETW#1
X Up Arrow ETW#1
Y N/A
Z N/A
[ N/A
N/A = Not Applicable

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix H
APPENDIX H
DETERMINING THE FIRMWARE LEVEL OF YOUR
DOSE CALIBRATOR
Use the following procedure to determine the firmware level

of your Atomlab 100 Plus Display and Chamber Units.
1) Press SETUP four times.
2) Press TEST. The Display Unit firmware level will appear

on the Electronic Thumbwheel Display.
3) Press TEST again to display the Chamber Unit firmware

level.
4) Press TEST once more to display high voltage.
5) Press TEST once more to return to the isotope dial value

setting.
6) Press SETUP to return to the normal operating mode of

the system.
Biodex Medical Systems H-1 Release 2.0

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix I
APPENDIX I:
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
NO T E: This MEDICAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT needs

special precautions regarding EMC and needs to be installed
and put into service according to the EMC information pro -
vided in the ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS.
See chart on next page
NO T E: Portable and mobile RF communications equipment

can affect MEDICAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.
NO T E: Contact Biodex Medical Systems for additional

EMC information.
Biodex Medical Systems I-1 Release 2.0

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix I
Biodex Medical Systems I-2 Release 2.0

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix J
APPENDIX J:
QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTING OF ATOMLAB CALIBRATORS
(MANUFACTURER'S* INSTRUCTIONS)
Biodex Medical Systems J-1 Release 2.0




DATE ON REPORT OF CALIBRATION FOR ATOMLAB DOSE CALIBRATOR
SIGNIFICANCE AND EXPIRATION

The Report of Calibration that accompanies the Atomlab Dose Calibrator is intend-
ed to represent evidence that the product was calibrated by the manufacturer
before it was shipped. This report does not serve as an exemption to the accuracy
test that is required at installation of the product in the facility where it will be used.
The date on the Report of Calibration does not expire since the report is not
useful, in the typical sense, as a record of calibration in a periodic maintenance
schedule.
For example, when a survey meter is purchased, it normally comes with a calibra-
tion certificate, dated within the past 6 or 12 months. This meter is then placed on
a re-calibration schedule, as determined by local regulations. The re-calibration
date may be scheduled from the original calibration date, or simply placed on the
institution’s normal schedule interval for such meters.Re-calibration requires the
meter be shipped to a laboratory that is licensed to perform such a task. There is
no need to check the accuracy of the survey meter upon installation at the facility;
the facility generally has no means to check the accuracy of a survey meter.
The situation and requirement is different for Dose Calibrators. Although modern
manufacturing capabilities have improved the robust nature of dose calibrator
systems, these products tend to be more fragile than survey meters. Therefore,
the NRC determined at an early date that the dose calibrator accuracy must be
tested on site, prior to its introduction into clinical use. This was prudent since, a)
the dose calibrator was being used to measure radionuclides prior to administra-
tion to a patient and, b) the availability of sealed long lived isotopes made this
accuracy test very reasonable at a clinical facility.
The NRC now requires the facility using a dose calibrator to implement the
Manufacturer’s Instructions for Quality Assurance Testing of Dose Calibrators.
Such Instructions accompany all Atomlab Dose Calibrators, and requires the
Accuracy test "at installation and at least annually thereafter. After repair of the
dose calibrator, repeat the above tests as a new installation."
Therefore, the date on the Report of Calibration cannot be used as a substitute for
the installation accuracy test. The only significance of the date is when the dose
calibrator was calibrated at the manufacturer. It never receives another calibration
unless it is returned to the manufacturer. The accuracy test at the facility is not a
calibration; it is simply an accuracy test stating that the dose calibrator measures a
specific radionuclide within a stated error. The date on the Report of Calibration
does not expire until the dose calibrator is returned to the manufacturer.

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix K
APPENDIX K:
SPECIFICATIONS
Isotope Selection Keys:

12 pre-programmed — Tc-99m, Sr-89, Tl-201, Mo-99, I-123, Xe-133, Ga-67, In-
111, I-131, Cs-137, Co-57 and Ba-133; one additional for user defined isotope
Activity Range: 0.01 µCi to 9999 mCi (.001 mBq to 399.9 GBq) of Tc-99m
Energy Range: 25 keV to 3 MeV photons
Response Time: One second for doses greater than 2 mCi; three seconds for
doses between 200 µCi and 2 mCi; 3-30 seconds for doses below 200 µCi
Detector Linearity: ±1% or 0.2 µCi, whichever is greater
Electrometer Linearity: ±1% or 0.2 µCi, whichever is greater
Electrometer Accuracy: ±1% or 0.2 µCi, whichever is greater
Overall Accuracy: ±3% or 0.3 µCi, whichever is greater; overall accuracy is
affected by such factors as the accuracy of the specific source calibration, geo-
metric variations due to sample volume or configuration, detector linearity, elec-
trometer accuracy and readout accuracy
Repeatability: ±0.3% above 1 mCi short term (24 hr); 1% long term (one yr)
Digital Calibration Dial: Four-digit LED dial display with increment/decrement
keys to change the value; range is from 0.1 to 999
Detector: Well-type pressurized ionization chamber, with Argon fill gas; well
opening 2.75" (7 cm), well depth 10.5" (26.7 cm)
Detector Shielding: .25" (6.3 mm) lead on all sides except top well opening; sup-
plementary shielding available
Chamber Bias: 340 volt electronic power supply
Environmental Operating Conditions:
Temperature: 0-40° C
Humidity: 0-90% rh, non-condensing
Power Requirements: 100 to 120 VAC @ 1/2A; 200 to 240 VAC @ 1/4A
Line Frequency: 50/60 Hz; detachable line cord; built-in EMI filter and transient
suppression
Detector and Interface Cables: 10' (304.8 cm) long, six conductor cables (two
carry power, one is chassis ground, three carry serial data for digital I/O); ends
terminated with AMP Mate-n-Lock connectors, white with hooded strain relief
Display Unit:
Dimensions: 12" w x 14.3" depth x 3.75" h (30.5 x 36.3 x 9.5 cm)
Weight: 6 lb (2.7 kg)
Biodex Medical Systems K-1 Release 2.0

ATOMLAB Dose Calibrator Operation Manual Appendix K
Detector Unit:
Dimensions: 7.5" w x 7.5" depth x 16.25" h (19 x 19 x 41.3 cm)
Well I.D.: 2.75" dia x 10.5" h (7 x 26.7 cm)
Well I.D. with Liner: 2.5" dia x 10.25" h (6.35 x 26 cm)
Lead Shielding: .25" lead (.63 cm)
Weight: 35 lb (16 kg)
Approvals: ETL to UL 3101-1 and cETL to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1-M92
086-265 Dose Calibrator, Atomlab™ 100Plus,115 VAC

Includes: RS-232 port, vial/syringe dipper,
well insert and printer
086-269 Dose Calibrator, Atomlab™ 100Plus, 230 VAC

Includes: RS-232 port, vial/syringe dipper,
well insert and printer
Related:
086-301 Shielding Rings, Interlocking, 2" lead
For additional protection from high energy activity
086-423 Moly Shield, Vial, .3" lead
086-435 Moly Shield, Syringe, .3" lead
086-509 Lineator
Replacement:
086-242 Vial/Syringe Dipper
086-241 Well Insert
086-268 Labels, “peel & stick”, 200/roll
086-278 Ribbon, Printer, 4/pkg
Biodex Medical Systems K-2 Release 2.0

Certified Quality Management System
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Atomlab - Plus - 100 - Operation and Service Manual

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ATOMLAB 100Plus

FN: 07-153 7/07

This manual covers installation and operation of the following products:

EXCEPT AS STATED ABOVE, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,

C. The return policy is as stated in paragraph 1.C.

3. Warranty is non transferable.

1. Check to see that the problem occurs more than once.

2. Check the instruction manual and operations procedure.

3. Check the instruction manual Trouble-shooting Guide.

Keep yourself and the phone next to the equipment.

7. Non-warranty/non-service contract charges for repair are as follows:

Biodex Medical Systems 5 Release 2.0

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ATOMLAB DOSE

The Atomlab Dose Calibrator you have purchased is a high

Before using this devise, be certain to read the entire opera -

The Atomlab Dose Calibrator should be used only as speci -

The Atomlab Dose Calibrator is designed for use in a

Biodex Medical Systems’ Atomlab 100 Plus dose calibrator

In addition to performing standard radioisotope measure-

Biodex Medical Systems 1-1 Release 2.0

By familiarizing yourself with the procedures presented in

CONVENTIONS OF THIS MANUAL

The following conventions are used to provide graphic and

Keys in Boldface Type (i.e., PRINT) must be pressed for a

When there is an option in a step, it will be represented by

Biodex Medical Systems 1-2 Release 2.0

We strongly suggest that you read this chapter before moving

Prior to installing your equipment, plan a layout for your

Be sure to consider access to the Printer for changing the

Remember that to make radioisotope measurements you

Choose a table or other counter which is free of vibration,

Biodex Medical Systems 2-1 Release 2.0

Suggested dimensions of the table top are:

Figure 2-1: A typical dose preparation layout.

Avoid areas which have drafts caused by heating or air con-

The temperature range is from 0 to 40° C, and the relative

Choose a location for your dose calibrator which is not fre-

Biodex Medical Systems 2-2 Release 2.0

Avoid locating your dose calibrator near a radioactive materials

Choose a line power source with a socket which mates secure-

Verify that the power line is properly grounded.

Do not choose an outlet that has a wall switch control.

Line Frequency 50/60 Hz.

After you have chosen a suitable location for your Atomlab

Biodex Medical Systems 2-3 Release 2.0

1) Rotate the Detector Unit so that you can see the

2) Take one end of the Detector Cable, orient its connector

To remove the connector, squeeze both sides and pull.

3) Rotate the Detector Unit to its normal position so that

1) Rotate the Display Unit so that you are looking at the

2) Take the connector on the free end of the Detector Cable,

Biodex Medical Systems 2-4 Release 2.0

until you feel it click. Do not force the connector, it is

2) The orientation of the Fuse Holder determines the

If, conversely, the label 200-240 and its corresponding

Biodex Medical Systems 2-5 Release 2.0

NOTE: Your Atomlab 100 Plus has already been configured

3) Locate the Power Switch to the right of the Fuse Holder

4) Ensure the Power Switch is in the OFF position (0).

5) Plug the Power Cord into the socket.

6) Rotate the Display Unit back to its normal position.

7) Take the remaining end of the Power Cord and plug it

1) Place the Printer on top of the Display Unit, as shown in