Fundamentals of Liquid Scintillation Counting

2-day course, US$ 895

This workshop provides students with hands-on training in the operation of liquid scintillation counting (LSC) for analysis of biomedical, environmental, waste and other types of samples. The course covers the theory of liquid scintillation counting, the components of an LSC, factors influencing the results, applications of liquid scintillation, minimum detectable activity (MDA) and lower limit of detection (LLD), sample preparation, sample counting, and quality assurance/quality control. Classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory exercises using an operational liquid scintillation counter will help students understand system set up, calibration, operation, and data interpretation.

The objective of this class is to provide students with a solid foundation in LSC counting focusing on an in-depth analysis of what occurs behind the scenes of the LSC. Following completion of the class, students will be able to alter and create protocols, calibrate their own machines, run diagnostic checks, evaluate all parameter values associated with LSC output, and determine with confidence the validity of measured results.

Topics Covered During Each Session Include

• LSC theory
• Determination of MDA and LLD
• Sample preparation
• Counting statistics and quality assurance

Training Dates

2008
March 31 - April 1
October 20 - 21
December 1 - 2

Course Credits

AAHP - 16 CE Credits
ABIH - 2.0 CM Points

Fundamentals of Liquid Scintillation Counting
Sample Agenda

Day 1

7:30	Continental Breakfast
8:00	Introduction and Course Overview
8:15	Review of Radiation Fundamentals
10:00	Principles of Liquid Scintillation Counting, Theories and Process
11:00	Liquid Scintillation Counting Equipment
12:00	Lunch (provided)
1:00	Quench, Calibration and Quench Correction, Other Factors and Luminescence
3:00	Radiation Statistics
4:00	Adjourn

Day 2

7:30	Continental Breakfast
8:00	Quality Assurance
9:00	Administering a QA Program
10:00	Laboratory Exercises – Chi-Square and Control Charts – LLD and MDA Calculations – Smear and Bioassay Preparation and Analysis
12:00	Lunch (provided)
1:00	Laboratory Exercises - Programming an LSC
2:30	Data Interpretation
3:30	Questions and Answers
4:00	Course Critique, Presentation of Certificates, Adjourn