Radiation Safety Practice Exam

Which of the following body products is commonly collected for bioassay analysis?

1. Blood

2. Saliva

3. Skin cells

4. Bone marrow

The correct answer is: Saliva

The most commonly collected body product for bioassay analysis is saliva. Saliva is particularly useful for non-invasive sampling and can provide a quick assessment of exposure to certain radioactive materials, as well as information on environmental contaminants. Due to its ease of collection and the volume that can be obtained, saliva is often preferred in situations where immediate results are needed. Bioassays can help measure the presence of specific isotopes that may enter the body in various ways, allowing for effective monitoring of internal contamination. Other body products, such as blood, skin cells, and bone marrow, are less commonly used for routine bioassay analysis. While blood can provide important information about systemic exposure, its collection is invasive and more complex, requiring specialized procedures. Skin cells generally offer limited insight into internal contamination and exposure levels. Bone marrow sampling is invasive and typically used in specific medical diagnoses rather than routine radiation exposure assessments. Thus, saliva stands out as a practical and effective choice for bioassays in radiation safety practices.