Academic research frequently makes use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices, in both traditional and novel laboratory settings. Healthy Physics maintains the University’s radioactive material and device licenses with the State of California and regulates internal authorizations, such as Controlled Radiation Authorizations (CRA) or Controlled Machinine Authorizations (CMA), for the use of radioactive tools on campus. Some radioactive tools include using x-ray and PET/CT devices, and irradiator use.
We also provide training, guidance, and support to investigators, students, and staff. Proper training ensures that radioactive materials and devices are used safely in accordance with the policies outlined in the Radiation Safety Manual.
We operate for the protection of the public and strive to foster a working environment where radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
X-ray machines in the research setting include the following:
- X-ray diffraction (XRD) commonly used for material analysis.
- Cabinet x-ray commonly used for small animal irradiation, tissue analysis, and material analysis.
- Computed tomography (CT) commonly used for small animal imaging and material analysis.
- Electron microscopes commonly used for material analysis.
- Please contact Health Physics at 723-3201 for assistance with the following requirements:
- Registering the x-ray device with the state of California.
- Creating a Controlled Machine Authorization (CMA) which describes the hazards involved in use of the x-ray device.
- Ensuring that all staff using the x-ray device receive the proper training.
- Performing an annual x-ray safety survey on the x-ray device.
Stanford has shared facilities for small animal imaging, which commonly uses radioactive tracers injected into the animals in combination with x-ray imaging in a PET/CT device. Please contact Health Physics at (650) 723-3201 for assistance with the proper training needed to use the imaging facility.
Irradiators at Stanford include sealed source irradiators commonly used for in vitro irradiation of cells, and X-ray irradiators commonly used for small animal irradiation, tissue analysis, and material analysis. Please contact Health Physics at (650) 723-3201 for assistance with the proper training needed to use these irradiators.
