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A novel, rapid and completely automated method for the determination of long-lived actinides in air particulate samples was developed using ion chromatography separation prior to ICP-MS analyses. U, Pu and Am were pre-concentrated and separated from radioactive and stable interferences through a sequential arrangement of three columns (TEVA, U/TEVA, DGA) arranged in order to allow selective retention of the radioisotope on the designated resin. Detection and quantification of the various radioisotopes were performed on-line using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Detection limits of 0.0006 ( 238 U), 0.0063 ( 239 Pu), 0.0041 ( 240 Pu), 0.062 ( 241 Am) mBq/m 3 were obtained for air filters (based on 3000 m 3 of air filtered). The automated procedure has been successfully tested on SRMs and spiked samples and showed high recovery yields (>90%). A total analysis time of 18 min is required for the separation, detection, and column rinsing/regeneration for subsequent analysis.

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Nine laboratories participated in an intercomparison exercise organised by the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) for emergency radiobioassay involving four high-risk radionuclides ((239)Pu, (241)Am, (90)Sr and (226)Ra). Diverse methods of analysis were used by the participating laboratories for the in vitro determination of each of the four radionuclides in urine samples. Almost all the methods used are sensitive enough to meet the requirements for emergency radiobioassay derived for this project in reference to the Clinical Decision Guide introduced by the NCRP. Results from most of the methods meet the requirements of ISO 28218 on accuracy in terms of relative bias and relative precision. However, some technical gaps have been identified. For example, some laboratories do not have the ability to assay samples containing (226)Ra, and sample turnaround time would be expected to be much shorter than that reported by many laboratories, as timely results for internal contamination and early decisions on medical intervention are highly desired. Participating laboratories are expected to learn from each other on the methods used to improve the interoperability among these laboratories.