(Inside view of MBL)

A unique component of the Center's facilities is the mobile bioassay laboratory (MBL). The MBL is designed to provide advanced bioassay and environmental analyses for onsite support of emergency and incident response, decommissioning, environmental restoration, and other activities. Fabricated from a reinforced 57 ft trailer, the MBL is transportable by highway. Special electrical and HVAC systems have been installed to provide adequate support for electronics and environmental control. Self-contained potable water supply and grey water waste tanks are also provided.

IN VIVO MEASUREMENTS

Over one-half of the trailer's area, approximately 190 ft², is dedicated to in vivo measurements (including a shower and change room). In vivo measurement capabilities include both site-specific and whole body examinations. Site-specific measurements of the lungs, thyroid, liver, skull, and other body loci are accomplished using an array of three, 5x6 in dual crystal phoswich detectors. Signal processing electronics make it possible to analyze low and high energy photons separately. This results in improved detector sensitivity for low energy photons from plutonium, americium, and uranium, as well as high energy photons from fission and activated corrosion products. Whole body counting is accomplished using a large volume, high relative efficiency (105%) germanium detector. Constructed from ultra-low background materials, uranium and thorium contamination is minimized.