Determination of total alpha activity in urine

The incorporation of alpha emitting substances such as plutonium, americium and others can be assessed by the analysis of urine. As the daily excretion rate amounts to 0.1% or less of the body content, it is necessary to concentrate these isotopes before measurements can be performed. As the method is intended for urine monitoring, the following conditions have to be met: (a) Concentration of the alpha emitter must be simple; (b) for the alpha measurement thin samples have to be prepared; (c) the lowest detectable value must be below the investigation level (1/10 of excretion at maximum permissible body burden (MPBB))