Evaluation of flow scintillation analysis for the determination of Sr-90 in bioassay samples

An automated procedure for the determination of 90Sr was adapted from existing methods of flow scintillation analysis (FSA) for use on aqueous samples with low levels of activity (<1000 dpm per sample). This technique employs high-performance extraction chromatography (HPEC) and an on-line liquid scintillation counter to provide automated separation and subsequent detection of 90Sr. The total analysis time is 30 min per sample. Dilute urine samples, spiked with 90Sr, were also processed by this method to test the application of this technique for bioassay monitoring.