Jump to section:

  1. Whom do I contact?
  2. How do I obtain authorization for using radioactive materials for basic science research (non-medical use)?
  3. How do I obtain authorization for using radioactive materials/radiation producing machines for human subjects research?
  4. Who approves radiation use and provides oversight?
  5. What are the training obligations?  Are educational resources available?
  6. Will EHS monitor my laboratory after I am authorized to use radioactive materials or radiation producing machines?
  7. What are other relevant resources and links?

1. Whom do I contact?

The Radiation Safety section within the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS) administers the university’s radiation safety program and maintains the institution’s broad-scope radioactive materials license for research and medicine. 

Program areas include: 

  • Compliance testing of radiation-producing machines  

  • Radiation safety training  

  • Laboratory audits  

  • Dosimetry services  

  • Bioassays  

  • Instrument calibration  

  • Radiation shielding design, construction analysis, and testing  

  • University of Iowa Health Care patient therapy monitoring  

  • Radioactive materials procurement and shipping 

Contact information 

EHS radiation safety officer
319-467-4903

2. How do I obtain authorization for using radioactive materials for basic science research (non-medical use)?

  1. Review the steps for obtaining authorization to use radioactive materials for basic science research in Section 1 of the Radiation Safety Guide - Research. 

  2. Then, submit the Authorization Request Form - Form 1. 

    For assistance, contact the EHS radiation safety officer.

3. How do I obtain authorization to use radioactive materials/radiation-producing machines for human subjects research?

Guidance is provided in the Radiation Protection Guide - Medical. 

Instructions for applying for human subjects research are available on the Institutional Review Boards and Human Subjects Office website. 

For assistance, contact the EHS radiation safety officer.

4. Who approves radiation use and provides oversight?

The Basic Science Radiation Safety Committee (BSRPC) and the radiation safety officer must approve all radioactive material use requests. Allow for two to four weeks for approval. 

The Medical Radiation Protection Committee (MRPC) must review and approve all research-related use of radioactive materials or machine-produced radiation (e.g., X-rays), other than standard of care. The MRPC meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month to review human subjects protocols involving radiation exposure. 

Application forms: 

5. What are the training obligations?  Are educational resources available?

Mandatory and recommended training sessions are available. Review the radiation safety training requirements in the Safety Training Course Guide. Follow the instructions provided here for university or non-university registration logins. 

Additional training resources are available on the EHS website. 

6. Will EHS monitor my laboratory after I am authorized to use radioactive materials or radiation producing machines?

EHS will assign a safety advisor to your laboratory. The advisor conducts safety observations, monitors laboratory practices, and reviews the annual self-audit to support compliance with safety regulations and university policies. 

If applicable, you will receive a radiation dosimeter to monitor occupational radiation exposure. 

7. What are other relevant resources and links?

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Radioactive Materials Program (RAM): Licensing, registration, inspection, and enforcement are the main components of the Iowa RAM Program.