Analysis of detection capability for gamma-emitting radionuclides in food in the health system laboratories in China

Objective: To acquaint the current detection capability of gamma-emitting radionuclides in food among the testing laboratories in China's health system, find out the existing or potential problems, and to provide reference for improving the testing ability of each laboratory. Methods: To grasp the overall hardware capability based on the performance indexes of HPGe γ-spectrometers reported by each laboratory. To understand the technical ability of each laboratory personnel through organizing the national intercomparisons. Results: The relative detection efficiency of the γ-spectrometers ranged from 30% to 66%, with an energy resolution range from 1.60 keV to 2.28 keV, and the integral background between the energy range of 50 keV to 2000 keV in 24 hours ranged from 48 cpm to 420 cpm. The results of testing ability achieved 'qualified' and 'excellent' accounted for the majority of the laboratories. Conclusion: Current detection capability for gamma-emitting radionuclides in food in China's health system is generally good, but the instrument performance or personnel technology of some laboratories still needs to be improved. (authors)