The University of Iowa

Radionuclide Safety Guideline for F18

Physical Data

  • Radiation: Gamma 511 e (194 abundance; positron annihilation radiation)
  • Betas: 634 keV (97% abundance) (Positron)

Half-Life

  • Physical: 1.83 hours
  • Biological: ~ 6 hours
  • Effective:  ~1.4 days

Range

  • Gamma exposure rate from 1 mCi point source - unshielded
    • 1 cm - 6960 mr/hr           
    • 5 cm - 278 mr/hr           
    • 10 cm - 69.5 mr/hr
    • 100 cm - 0.7 mr/hr

External, Skin and Eye Hazard

  • Plan experiments to minimize external exposure by reducing exposure time, using shielding and increasing your distance from the radiation source.

Internal Hazard

  • Critical Organ: Lung ( Inhalation)  Stomach wall (ingestion)

Shielding

  • Gamma - 6 mm of lead will reduce exposure intensity by 50%
  • Beta - 177 mm plastic

Safety Guidelines

  • Where lab coats and disposable gloves.
  • Whole body and ring dosimeters are required.
  • Store F18 behind lead shielding.
  • Plan experiments to minimize external exposure by reducing exposure time, using shielding and increasing distance.

 

 

updated 1/2013