Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What type of samples are analyzed in the counting body products technique?

1. Only blood samples

2. Body product samples such as urine and sweat

3. Air samples from the environment

4. Only fecal samples

The correct answer is: Body product samples such as urine and sweat

The counting body products technique is designed to analyze various biological fluids and excretions that can be indicative of metabolic processes, including the presence of radioactive substances in the body. Body product samples such as urine and sweat can contain trace amounts of radioactive materials or isotopes that are excreted by the body. By analyzing these fluids, practitioners can gain insights into the body’s burden of radiation and understand how much radioactive material has been absorbed. This method is particularly relevant for assessing exposure levels in individuals who might have been in environments with radioactive materials or for monitoring occupational exposure in radiation-prone jobs. In contrast, the other answer choices are limited in scope and do not encompass the full range of fluids that can be assessed. Blood samples alone do not provide a complete picture of radiation exposure since they can only reflect a temporary state of systemic radioactivity. Environmental air samples provide information about external exposure levels but do not indicate internal contamination or overall body burden. Fecal samples, while they can sometimes be relevant for certain analyses, do not cover the broader range of body products relevant to the counting body products technique. Thus, the choice that includes urine and sweat aligns with the comprehensive approach taken in this area of radiation safety.