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Industrial Applications
Published in Vlado Valković, Low Energy Particle Accelerator-Based Technologies and Their Applications, 2022
There are many reports on the bulk analysis of coal and coal ash samples for trace element content. In the work presented by Valković et al. (1992), the 3 MeV proton beam from the Van de Graaff accelerator at the Ruder Boskovic Institute in Zagreb, Croatia was used. Measured x-ray spectra were analyzed by using thin/thick target PIXE software. Quality control was performed by analysis of certified reference materials: NBS 1632 and BCR 40. Additional information on coal and coal ash composition could be obtained by XRF measurements, PIGE and RBS measurements as well a direct gamma spectrometry. One should keep in mind that the reference materials for coal and coal ash are homogeneous only down to 50–150 mg scale. Therefore, their use for thin PIXE targets is questionable (Figs. 4.7 and 4.8).
Requirements and Preparation for Passing the American Board of Health Physics Certification Examinations
Published in Kenneth L. Miller, Handbook of Management of Radiation Protection Programs, 2020
A preparation program should start with a basic textbook and supporting reference materials. The Baltimore-Washington Chapter uses Herman Cember’s textbook25 but other textbooks, such as those by Turner35 or Kathren,36 also can be recommended. The textbook should be supplemented by an overview document such as Willis’ “… Annotated Bibliography”,23 and a general reference such as the “Radiological Health Handbook”37 or Brodsky’s handbooks.38,39 This material provides the basis for the program although supplementary material will be needed in specific areas, especially in the area of regulations and standards. In general, a health physicist is well advised to acquire all the reference material he or she can maintain in usable condition. In preparation for the examinations, however, it is important to limit the reference material to a quantity that actually can be studied.
Nursing Care of the Patient Requiring Mechanical Circulatory Support
Published in Wayne E. Richenbacher, Mechanical Circulatory Support, 2020
Kelly L. Jones, Carolyn J. Laxson, Sarah C. Seemuth, Sara J. Vance
Centers that perform only a few VAD implantations each year may find their staff having difficulty mastering and retaining skills due to limited exposure. In this situation competencies are needed more frequently to ensure staff remain qualified. Offering a review to the staff is desirable before competencies are given. The amount of time and information required is determined by the staff’s experience. The need for additional review and training is also considered when there has been significant staff turnover. In addition to regular reviews and competencies it is important to offer the staff a variety of reference materials including the users manual, inservice outlines, algorithms and journal articles. Each center should develop a VAD protocol book that contains information relevant to the operation of the program within the institution (Table 9.4). The content of the VAD book may vary to reflect center specific practices.
Quantifying SARS-CoV-2 viral load: current status and future prospects
Published in Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics, 2021
Quantification of virus is generally performed by constructing a standard curve using dilution series of a qualified reference material on a PCR platform and evaluating linearity against corresponding Ct values. Gold standard reference material is usually derived from the World Health Organization (WHO) international standard, when available. Clinical samples are then tested on the validated PCR instrument along with the appropriate quality control samples. The PCR instrument generates a Ct value, and the quantitation is derived from the standard curve. Thus, rather than interpreting a Ct value, clinicians get quantified viral loads, which can be compared across different platforms and methodologies. Thus, a result from one institution can be interpreted at another institution.
Commutability of reference materials for alkaline phosphatase measurements
Published in Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation, 2020
Qi Guo, Jing Wang, Xilian Yi, Jie Zeng, Weiyan Zhou, Haijian Zhao, Tianjiao Zhang, Chuanbao Zhang
Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is widely distributed in human liver, bone, intestine, kidney, placenta, and other tissues [1]. It is routinely measured in serum as an important reference index in clinical diagnosis. The accurate determination of serum ALP is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases. Accurate results are achieved by establishing traceability to a reference system [2]. Reference measurement systems are based on reference methods, reference materials, and reference laboratories, and using these reference systems and the manufacturer’s standing procedures, manufacturers can assign traceable values to commercial calibrators [2]. A recommended reference method for ALP determination was issued by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) [3]. However, there are no reference materials for ALP in the Joint Committee for traceability in Laboratory Medicine (JCTLM) database. Reference materials are key components of such reference systems and for establishing traceability, and commutability of reference materials is a critical property to ensure they are fit for use [4]. If commutable reference materials are lacking, a panel of human serum, with values certified by the reference method can act as a secondary reference material (SRM) [5]. But for practical reasons, processed materials like GCs or ETVs are commonly used in current external quality assessment (EQA), because these materials can be produced in large quantities at relatively low cost.
Towards defining reference materials for measuring extracellular vesicle refractive index, epitope abundance, size and concentration
Published in Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2020
Joshua A. Welsh, Edwin van der Pol, Britta A. Bettin, David R. F. Carter, An Hendrix, Metka Lenassi, Marc-André Langlois, Alicia Llorente, Arthur S. van de Nes, Rienk Nieuwland, Vera Tang, Lili Wang, Kenneth W. Witwer, Jennifer C. Jones
In metrology, “Reference material” is a generic term that refers to any material that is sufficiently homogeneous and stable with respect to one or more properties, and which has been established to be fit for its intended use in a measurement process [31]. A “certified reference material” is characterized by a metrologically valid procedure for one or more of its properties and is accompanied by a certificate providing the values of the specified property, a statement of metrological traceability and associated uncertainty. Metrologically valid procedures for production and certification are outlined in ISO Guide 31, 34 and 35. Reference materials can have different applications, e.g. calibration, validation, quality control, etc. Each of these applications can require varying degrees of accuracy in their reference material characterization, e.g. international standards, certified reference materials, working reference materials.