Radioisotope Information: CHROMIUM - 51
(51Cr)
| Physical Half-life: | 27.8 days | |
| Radiations: | Gamma/x 320 (9.8%) & 5 (22%) keV | |
| External Exposure: | External hazard when mCi quantities are present. Radiation exposures from 1.0 mCi are 6.4 mR/hr and 1.6 mR/hr at 5 cm & 10 cm, respectively. | |
| Biological Data: | ALI | 40 mCi (ingestion), 52 mCi (inhalation) |
| Biological half-life | 616 days | |
| Effective half-life | 26.6 days | |
| Critical Organs | Lower Large Intestine and Kidneys | |
| Bioassay | Urinalysis (Not routinely done) | |
| Shielding: | HVL 1.7 cm of lead; TVL 5.6 cm of lead. | |
| Monitoring & Efficiency |
LSC (Eff. ~30%) NaI Gamma Counter (Eff. ~1-2%) |
Special Considerations
- Use forceps with rubber sleeves to handle unshielded sources and potentially contaminated vessels and work at arms length.
- Always store 51Cr vials in lead containers or behind shields.
- Wear a radiation badge when handling 1.0 mCi or more.
For additional information contact the Radiation Safety Program at 229-4275.
Updated February 27, 2008 by SAK