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 I be monitored after I am authorized to use radioactive materials or radiation producing machines?
  7. Relevant policies, procedures, and links.

1. Whom do I contact?

The Radiation Safety Section in the Environmental Health & Safety Office (EHS) is responsible for the administration of the University’s radiation safety program and maintaining the University’s broad scope radioactive materials license for research and medicine.  Program areas include:

  • compliance testing of radiation producing machines
  • radiation safety training
  • lab audits
  • dosimetry service
  • bioassays
  • instrument calibration
  • radiation shielding design and construction analysis and testing
  • UIHC patient therapy monitoring 
  • radioactive materials procurement and shipping

EHS Radition Safety Officer: (319) 335-8503
Website:  http://ehs.research.uiowa.edu/radiation-safety

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

  1. Read the steps for obtaining authorization for the use of radioactive materials for basic science research are described in Section 1 of the Radiation Protection on Guide for Radioactive Material Use in the Basic Sciences.
  2. Submit the application for use of radioactive materials for basic science research.
  3. For assistance contact Laurie Scholl(link sends e-mail), Health Physics Safety Specialist; ph. 353-5389 

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

Obtaining authorization for the use of radioactive materials & radiation producing machines for human subjects research is detailed in the Radiation Protection Guide - Medical.

Instructions for submitting an application for human subjects’ research is available on the Institutional Review Boards & Human Subjects Office website at http://hso.research.uiowa.edu.

For assistance contact Gordon Axt(link sends e-mail) (335-8503) or Barb Vitense (link sends e-mail)(335-9550) 

4.  Who approves radiation use and provides oversight?

The University’s Basic Science Radiation Safety Committee (BSRPC) and the Radiation Safety Officer must approve all radioactive material use requests. Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for obtaining committee approval.

All use of radioactive materials or machine produced radiation (X-rays) for research-related purposes (other than standard of care) requires the review and approval of the University’s Medical Radiation Protection Committee (MRPC).  The MRPC meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month to review human subjects protocols involving research-related radiation exposure.

UI/UIHC Application Forms

VAMC Application Forms 

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

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

Additional training resources are listed on the EHS website.

6.  Will I be monitored after I am authorized to use radioactive materials or radiation producing machines?

A member of the safety advisor team within EHS will be assigned to your laboratory.  Your safety advisor will  conduct safety round observations, monitor the laboratory, and review the annual lab self-audit to assist lab staff with complying with safety regulations and University policies. If applicable, you will be assigned a radiation dosimeter so that we can monitor your occupation radiation exposure.

7.  Relevant policies, procedures, and links: