At a glance
A urine radionuclide screen identifies people at risk for health effects due to an intake of radioactive material. It provides data to help public health officials assess risk and allocate resources to the public during a radiation emergency. Learn how screening is important in emergency response.
Urine radionuclide screen
A urine radionuclide screen is a collection of clinical lab tests used to detect the presence of radiation-emitting isotopes in urine. Its purpose is to detect samples with radioactivity, provide data for radiation exposure assessment, and inform about an individual's health risk.
Why screening is important
Radionuclide screens are multifaceted in their purpose. In an emergency, they aid in the early detection and assessment of radiation exposure. They enable public health officials and medical professionals to allocate limited resources, such as medical countermeasures, to the people who need them the most. Generally, they are a great tool to support population monitoring efforts and data collection for epidemiological studies.
Sample collection and analysis
Urine and patient data collection is completed by clinical staff members or other medical professionals at hospitals, community reception centers, or clinics. Those medical professionals will then ship the samples to CDC where lab personnel will conduct laboratory testing. The test results will be interpreted by health physicists who will assist medical professionals in determining appropriate countermeasures when necessary.
Keep in mind
Report suspected contamination
In the event of suspected internal contamination, contact CDC.
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or send an email.