Radiochemical Analysis

The HPA provides radiochemistry services offering high-quality analyses on a wide range of sample matrices and nuclides, and offers a 'cradle-to-grave' service, including sample collection and preparation as part of the analytical service, plus dose assessment or other interpretation of the results.

Our customers include government agencies as well as those from many sectors of private industry, such as water companies, food importers and oil companies.

The HPA radiochemistry services are provided mainly from CRCE at Chilton and Glasgow, with a limited range of services also being offered from Leeds. The UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) has accredited the main laboratories under ISO 17025 for a range of analyses (Chilton laboratory number 1269, Glasgow laboratory number 1502). In addition, the HPA laboratory at Glasgow holds UKAS accreditation for sampling a range of environmental matrices and field instrument surveys, notably measurements of air kerma (commonly referred to as environmental gamma dose rates). Both laboratories have long and extensive experience of sample types, including the analysis of soils and sediments; grass and vegetation; industrial wastes; and a broad range of water types including seawater, freshwater, groundwaters and industrial effluents. Further details can be found on the competencies of the laboratories on the UKAS website at www.ukas.com/about-accreditation/accredited-bodies/Tesing-laboratories-schedules.asp (Testing Laboratory Schedules).

Copies of the certificates can be found on the UKAS website for the laboratories at Chilton www.ukas.org/testing/schedules/Actual/1269Testing%20Single.pdf and Glasgow www.ukas.org/testing/schedules/Actual/1502Testing%20Multiple_020.pdf.

The tables below show the complete range of services offered, both accredited and non-accredited. Analyses that are not formally accredited are carried out under comparable schemes of quality assurance, and programmes have been in place for many years to ensure comparability of analytical results between the different laboratories across the HPA. Analytical and assessment work at Chilton is carried out within a formal quality management system formally accredited under ISO 9001.

Radiochemical analyses routinely undertaken by the HPA radiochemistry services

Sampling work undertaken by the HPA radiochemistry services

For more information on radiochemistry services at the HPA please contact us at

Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards
155 Hardgate Road
Glasgow
G51 4LS

Tel +44 (0) 141 440 2201
Fax +44 (0) 141 440 0820
email CHI-Radiochemistry@hpa.org.uk