Customized lead solutions for radiation protection at KCL
03/06/2025
CARL's customized lead workstation supplied by Southern Scientific and BriTec.
At a glance
> The Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Laboratory (CARL) at King’s College London is using a customized lead workstation supplied by Southern Scientific and BriTec.
> Working in partnership, the two companies were able to meet the exacting specifications as outlined by the CARL team for working with high-energy PET radionuclides.
> The custom-made unit features a built-in Capintec dose calibrator and lockable drawers for the secure storage of radioactive materials.
Equipping the Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Laboratory
Southern Scientific and BriTec have worked in partnership to successfully install a customized lead workstation for the handling of PET radionuclides at King’s College London. Based in the CARL facility and featuring a built-in Capintec dose calibrator, the custom-made unit was designed to meet exacting specifications to allow the team to work safely and efficiently with radioactive materials.
CARL is a national facility open to academia and industry that specialises in radionuclide production and radiopharmaceutical chemistry for preclinical applications. It houses an 11 MeV cyclotron with supporting infrastructure for high-activity radiosynthesis and radioanalysis. Previously, walls of lead bricks were used to build temporary shields in the lab, but following a refurbishment, a new workstation was required to replace old, existing benching and equipment. Southern Scientific also supplied Tracerco PED dosimeters for personal radiation protection.
“Having the dedicated workstation is far better for working with higher activity …”
Dr. Julia Blower, Facility Strategic Manager of CARL said, “We handle a wide range of radionuclides including 18F, 11C, 64Cu, 52Mn, 131I, 124I, so we needed a thick lead workstation to accommodate the variety of work we do. We previously used a separate dose calibrator, but having one built in means our workflow is now much more streamlined. Having the dedicated workstation is far better for working with higher activity and helps manage our exposure.
“An added benefit is the unit’s lockable storage underneath the bench. We were in need of suitable storage for radioactive materials and contaminated items, which if left unsecured are a health and safety risk. Having a dedicated space where these items can be secured is incredibly useful and convenient.”
About BriTec
BriTec is an established manufacturer of equipment for radiation protection and nuclear medicine based in Sheffield. In partnership with Southern Scientific, the two companies are providing shielded solutions to hospitals and isotope producers in the UK, allowing them to comply with guidelines such as IRR17.
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