A comparison of two methods used for determination of tritium concentration in urine samples by liquid scintillation counter

Abstract

Background Tritium (3H) emits low-energy beta particles with a maximum energy of 18.6 keV. Liquid scintillation counting technique (LSC) is mostly used for the detection and quantification of low-energy emitters like H-3. the most widely used method to determine the level of tritium in humans is testing urine. Method in this study, tritium activity concentrations in urine samples taken from 20 adults were measured. Their ages range from 23 to 50. Eight of them are female, and others are male. the tritium activity concentrations in urine samples were determined with two different methods. Also, two standard samples were used to compare urine samples. Result the efficiency values were found with two different methods (26.07% for the first method and 26.14% for the second method). According to the comparison results, the tritium concentration differences between these methods were found in a negligible level for urine samples and in an acceptable level for standard samples. Conclusion the tritium activity concentrations in urine and standard samples were calculated using two different methods. According to the comparison results, these two methods can be used for determination of tritium concentrations in urine samples.