November 17th, 2021 - The Less-Considered Metrics of Radioisotope Identifier

While sensitivity and accuracy are essential to any identifier, internal specs present only one piece of the puzzle, when determining which is the best unit for a given response. To use cars as an example, the automotive and safety components receive a large portion of a consumer’s attention. Just as much thought has gone into another critical design aspect, however: the ergonomics, or how the accessories and layout of a vehicle enables a human to take control of it safely and efficiently. What takes a good RIID and transforms it into a fantastic RIID? The following are some of the key metrics that should be considered when exploring options. 

Accessibility. 

In a best-case scenario, all personnel handling identifiers would have a full background on both the principles of radiation and the ins/outs of the detection process. Even in cross-organizational response efforts, there are cases where concerted experience is spread thin; it might become the case that there is more equipment available than persons capable of using it all. This is why accessibility is paramount in a detector. Easily-navigable user interfaces, on-screen instructions, and meaningful prompts can help cross the gap in what is an understandably complex process. In BNC RIID’s, for instance, it is possible to “press-click” on an identified isotope to receive more information about its common uses and basic properties. 

Radioisotope Library. 

Alongside what isotopes a RIID is capable of identifying, is the equally important metric of what isotopes it can identify at any given time. It might seem counterintuitive at first, but many top-of-the-line instruments offer the capability to register and identify specific sets of isotopes. Why not detect them all? Because the energy peaks of certain isotopes can be extremely close together, and by eliminating certain possibilities based on preemanating event information, a RIID user--and a good radioisotope library--can drastically reduce the rate of false positives. 

Form Factor. 

When considering radiation safety, one of the core three principles is to spend as little time near an active source as humanly possible. Stemrad’s 360 Gamma radiation shield is an exemplary unit for this principle: the shield protects specific regions of the body that are the most consequential when exposed to radiation, on the basis that a full lead suit--and the reduction in mobility incumbent to it--would result in an overall greater exposure than if the responder had complete freedom of movement. Identifiers follow this logic. They could feasibly be made bigger in order to include larger detectors, but how much time would be added to a responder’s exposure if they had to use two hands instead of one to operate it? A cumbersome unit directly contradicts all protective instincts when handling radiation. This is one of the reasons why BNC is proud that its SAM 940Plus is now one of the lightest iterations on the market. 

Reachback. 

This is the process of sending information back to a control center for further analysis. An identifier can be pristine in its results--if it can’t transmit those results to parties who can take advantage of it, though, that data is effectively nonexistent. An outstanding unit will not only include the capability to transmit data. It will also include multiple methods (such as how BNC RIIDs include both email and RadResponder reachback, with more solutions on the way), and it will make sure those methods are quickly accessible. One-click reachback is a key term for BNC units for exactly this reason, allowing for data transmission directly from a freshly-recorded event. 

Furtive Detection. 

At crowded events, the outward appearance of the identifier becomes a factor. The stigma around radiation, such as its misunderstood risks and its movie-wrought interpretations, will stir a panic. In a clear and efficient response, losing control over crowd management due to hysteria could lead to prolonged exposure, immediate danger, and new hazards such as trampling or property destruction. Some RIIDs, then--like BNC’s SAMPack 120--shift their focus from pure identification to mobile, furtive detection. Fitting into a backpack, the unit conceals its purposes so that the user maintains complete control over the situation until it is time to take action. 

These are just some of the alternative metrics that play a part in determining the best identifier. When it comes to radiological response, Inconvenience is more than frustrating: it can pose a real risk during an active event. Which of these features is most important to your applications?