Rubidium-86 (Rb-86)

Physical Data:

Radiological Data:

Critical organ:  bone (ingestion); Bone surface Bone surface, Lung (inhaled)
External Exposure and Internal exposure through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption are primary concerns.
Dose rate to basal cells from skin contamination – 8,447 mR/hr per µCi per cm2

Shielding:

Photons: Lead 0.02” HVL or 0.08” TVL
Betas:  0.30”  or 1 cm plexiglass
Do not use lead as primary shielding layer due to Bremstrahlung effect.  (may use lead behind plastic to shield x-rays)  

Dose Information (assume point source):

100 cm from 1mCi – 0.539 mR/hr
10 cm from 1mCi – 53.9 mR/hr
1 cm from 1mCi - 539 mR/hr

Survey Instrumentation:

NaI scintillation probe
G-M Detector
Liquid scintillation counter (LSC)

Ls window:  0 to 1000
LS efficiency:  100 %

Regulatory Compliance:

Special Considerations:
DOSIMETRY AND BIOASSAY REQUIREMENTS:
Rb-86 is one of the highest energy (Beta or Gamma emitting) radionuclides encountered in UMB research laboratories, although not routinely, and requires special care.  Avoid exposure, do not hold tubes containing even small quantities of Rb-86 any longer than necessary. 

Use a stand or holder if quantities greater than a few tens of Mbq (=1 mCi) are used, and finger dosimeters should be worn. 

Film badges and dosimeter rings are required if 1 millicuries or more are being handled
at any one time or millicurie levels are handled on a frequent (daily) basis.

Urine assays may be required after spills or contamination incidents. - Avoid skin contamination [absorption], ingestion, inhalation, & injection [all routes of intake].

Store 86Rb (including waste) behind lead shielding [½+ inch thick]; lead bricks may be necessary. Survey (with GM meter) to check adequacy of shielding (accessible dose rate < 2 mR/hr; should be background).

Use shielding to minimize exposure while handling 86Rb.

Use tools to handle 86Rb sources and contaminated objects; avoid direct hand contact. Near 86Rb
sources, the beta dose rate can be much higher than the gamma dose rate.

Rubidium is an alkali earth metal; elemental form reacts (chemically) violently with water.