The establishment of a national calibration centre for practical standards for bioassay and 'in vivo' monitoring

The Radiation Protection Bureau bas been involved in bioassay and 'in vivo' monitoring measurements for many years. During this time, an intercomparison for uranium urinalysis was established, and a range of phantoms acquired for 'in vivo' measurements. In 1983, the Atomic Energy Control Board designated the Bureau to act as Canada's national calibration centre for these measurements. Thus, the Bureau's programs are being placed on a formal basis, and expanded to provide comprehensive coverage of all bioassay and 'in vivo' measurements. This paper will describe the quality assurance programs and services presently available, plans for expansion, and protocols for intercomparisons. Trends identified from data obtained in a study initiated by the Bureau relating performance to analytical methodology will also be discussed