Radioactive materials ("radioisotopes") for laboratory research

The use of radioactive materials is subject to the terms and conditions of a radioactive materials license which is issued by the regulatory agency and held in the Radiation Safety Office. The Radiation Safety Department monitors and controls the acquisition and use of radioactive materials and the generation of wastes to ensure that materials are being used in accordance with the license. Radioactive materials may only be used for laboratory research purposes if a radioactive materials "permit" has been issued by the Radiation Safety Office. Permits are issued to members of the Faculty with appropriate training and experience, and authorize the use of specific quantities of specific radioisotopes in specific locations for specific purposes under specific conditions. The "permit holder" is responsible for overall supervision and compliance with the terms of the permit, or for applying for an amendment to the permit. The Radiation Safety Officer will review the facilities where the material will be used to ensure adequacy of shielding and ventilation. Approval of research protocols which involve animals is coordinated with the animal research oversight committee with jurisdiction at the specific location where the material will be used. The Radiation Safety Department will also audit each laboratory to verify compliance with the terms of each permit and other conditions. Download a permit application form here

Contact: Lisa Moore or Robert McClosky for further information.

Radioactive materials may only be used for "human use" purposes (clinical diagnosis, therapy or research) if this has been specifically approved by the Medical Isotopes Subcommittee (MIC) of the Radiation Safety Committee of the Tisch Hospital and Bellevue Hospital Medical Boards, and is only permitted within the associated facilities. There are regulatory restrictions on the qualifications and training of physicians and others who may use radioactive materials for human use purposes. The Radiation Safety Office will advise on each situation and acts as the interface to the various committees. Human research protocols which are submitted to the IBRA for approval are forwarded to the Radiation Safety Office for the additional step of MIC approval. The Radiation Safety Department has the same oversight and auditing role as for laboratory research, but it also supervises the preparation and use of rooms where radioactive materials are used for therapeutic purposes, ensures adequacy of shielding, provides safety support and instruction to the nursing staff, and determines when patients may be released from special precautions as required to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Contact: Steven Wagner for further information on the human use of radioactive materials.