Analysis for actinides in tissue samples from plutonium workers of two countries

For more than 25 years, the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries (USTUR) and the Dosimetry Registry of the Mayak Industrial Association (DRMIA) of the Russian Federation have, each independently, collected tissues at autopsy from workers with potential or confirmed body burdens of actinide elements resulting from occupational exposures. Tissues, thus obtained, were radiochemically analyzed for actinides for the purpose of evaluating the biokinetics of these elements in the human body. Scientists of these two organizations have recently begun a collaborative research program to compare, combine and analyze the data to verify or refine biokinetic models needed for radiation dosimetry.