Ionising radiation - Calibration, testing and irradiation services

As a national metrology laboratory for ionising radiation, STUK provides calibrations for dosemeters, irradiations and radiation measurements. These calibration and measurement capabilities are described on the website of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).

The national measurement standards system in Finland is described on the website of the Centre for metrology and accreditation MIKES.

In addition to the services provided as a national metrology laboratory, STUK provides routine calibration services and checking for dosemeters according to the table.

Tests, irradiation services, and calibrations of other than the above-mentioned standard types will be separately and specifically agreed upon with the customer.

Calibration of a radiation meter is a procedure to establish the relationship between the true value of the measurand and the indicated value of a measuring dosemeter (usually identified by a serial number) in the operation range of the dosemeter, in specified reference conditions.

Testing a dosemeter generally refers to determining the performance properties of the dosemeter type. Among others, tested properties may include the dependence of the response of the meter on radiation energy, radiation direction, or environmental conditions (air pressure, temperature and relative humidity).

Irradiation refers to exposure of a passive target or a sample to a specified radiation dose using specified radiation quality.

Calibration, testing and irradiation services need to be ordered in writing. The order must specify the client’s name, address, and contact details. The order must specify the radiation qualities and the measuring range setting of the meter for the requested calibration or testing, or the radiation quality and the dose requested for the irradiation. Along with the measuring instrument to be calibrated or tested, the user instructions and all information essentially affecting the calibration or testing (such as specifying the calibration range and calibration position of the instrument) must be supplied. The measuring instrument must be identifiable by its type and serial number, and in working condition according to the directions for use.

The cost of the services is determined according to STUK’s service price list and is in principal rule derived from an average time required to produce the service. The cost of calibrating a radiation measuring instrument is usually 200 - 1 000 euros.

Mail address:
STUK
Radiation Metrology Laboratory
P.O.Box 14
00881 Helsinki
Finland