Radionuclide metrology for the quality assurance of radioisotope products

In order to control the production process and quality of radioisotope products, various methods and systems have been developed since shortly after the foundation of JAERI in 1956. A brief history of radionuclide metrology for this purpose till seventies is introduced and more detailed discussion on topics after the decade is given in the text. They are categorized into a gamma-ray spectrometry, a radiocalorimetry, a high efficiency counting for gamma-ray emitters of complex decay mode and an ionization current measurement with a stable ionization chamber system. Examples of some peculiar applications in the process control of radioisotope production are briefly described. Collaborational works with the medical and life sciences groups currently going on are also outlined. (author)