ASTM C1844-16
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determination of Uranium in Urine by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer Following Nitric Acid Dilution
Standard Test Method for Determination of Uranium in Urine by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer Following Nitric Acid Dilution
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 It is common practice within the nuclear industry for internal dose assessment to be made as part of a bioassay program for nuclear facility workers. For indirect bioassay of workers that may be exposed to uranium at enrichments that may differ from natural then the 235U concentration must be measured in addition to the total uranium isotopes so that an estimate of uranium enrichment may be made for use in the dose assessment.
5.2 The enrichment measurement may also be of value in tracing the source of uranium exposure should significant uranium levels be detected in a sample.
5.3 A modern, quadrupole ICPMS should be capable of delivering performance characteristics close to those claimed in this test method; however, older models or those where performance has deteriorated over time may be unable to do so. It is the responsibility of the user to validate the performance of their equipment.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of uranium in urine by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) after dilution in nitric acid. The method is presented in two parts. Part A describes a method for determination of total uranium in urine that does not distinguish between uranium isotopes. Part B describes a method that determines the ratio of 235U to 238U (the enrichment) in samples that Part A has shown to contain levels of uranium that the user of the data considers to be significant. The measurement in Part B may be combined with the measurement in Part A to calculate a 235U concentration. The enrichment measurement may in turn be used to estimate levels of minor uranium isotopes, in particular 234U, that are important for calculating the internal radiation dose received by an individual exposed to uranium. The estimation of minor isotope concentrations and the calculation of internal dose does not form part of this standard.
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C1844 − 16
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Uranium in Urine by Inductively Coupled
1
Plasma Mass Spectrometer Following Nitric Acid Dilution
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1844; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 internal reference standard—a solution containing
1.1 This test method covers the determination of uranium in
non-analyteelementsthatisanalyzedbytheICP-MSalongside
urine by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
all samples. The signal is used to correct for small matrix
(ICP-MS) after dilution in nitric acid. The method is presented
effects and instrumental drift during the run to give a more
in two parts. Part A describes a method for determination of
precise measurement. The element or elements are selected
total uranium in urine that does not distinguish between
such that they are not present in the unknown samples at
uranium isotopes. Part B describes a method that determines
235 238 significant concentrations, are within the general mass range of
the ratio of Uto U (the enrichment) in samples that Part
the measured analytes and have similar chemical behaviors in
A has shown to contain levels of uranium that the user of the
the instrument.
data considers to be significant. The measurement in Part B
3.2.2 method blank—a solution which in so far as is
may be combined with the measurement in PartAto calculate
235
practical duplicates the preparation process of the sample to be
a U concentration. The enrichment measurement may in
analyzed and passes through the same measurement process
turn be used to estimate levels of minor uranium isotopes, in
234
butdoesnotinitiallycontainsignificantquantitiesofanyofthe
particular U, that are important for calculating the internal
analytes to be measured.
radiation dose received by an individual exposed to uranium.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The method blank does not initially
The estimation of minor isotope concentrations and the calcu-
contain significant quantities of analyte, hence the value of any
lation of internal dose does not form part of this standard.
analyte measured may be assumed to be due to interference,
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
matrix effects or contamination introduced as a consequence of
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
sample processing. If the contribution of such factors is
standard.
evaluated to be representative to the measurement of the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
unknown samples in the batch then subtracting the measured
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
value for the method blank from the value measured on the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
genuine sample will eliminate these interferences, typically
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
providing a better estimate for the true value of the quantity of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
analyte in the sample.
2. Referenced Documents 3.2.3 spike—a known quantity of analyte added to a sample
2
which is used to evaluate losses during the sample preparation
2.1 ASTM Standards:
process or biases during measurement.
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
4. Summary of Test Method
3. Terminology
4.1 For the determination of total uranium in urine: samples
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of other standard terms in
ofurineareinitiallydilutedbyafactorof20with0.32Mnitric
this test method, refer to Terminology C859.
acid (this is a 2 % by volume dilution of typical, concentrated
nitric acid). The diluted sample is then analyzed for total
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear
uranium using an ICP-MS. Prior to analysis of samples the
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of
instrument is calibrated using 0, 50, 100, and 200 ng/L
Test.
Uranium Standards prepared in 0.32 M nitric acid, that has
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2016. Published December 2016. DOI:
10.1520/C1844-16.
been prepared using ultra high purity (UHP) concentrated acid.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
The Certified Reference Materials used for Standard prepara-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@as
...
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