What to know
Laboratory personnel play a crucial role in response to radiological emergencies by collecting, packaging, and shipping specimens to confirm potential exposures to radiation. Read for more information about how to respond safely and effectively during a radiation emergency.
Collect specimens
Following a radiological incident, collect urine samples for each person involved. View this flowchart for directions on how to collect urine samples from potentially exposed individuals: CDC Specimen-Collection Protocol for a Radiological/Nuclear Incident
Package and ship specimens
- After collecting the samples, package and ship them to the appropriate laboratory destination based on your state's radiological terrorism comprehensive response plan. If you are instructed to ship your specimen to the CDC laboratory, follow these instructions.
- CDC also has comprehensive instructions for collecting, labeling, packaging, and shipping specimen samples collected from people who may have been internally contaminated with radioactive materials.
- You can find the required paperwork for specimen packages at radiological/nuclear incident specimen collection and shipping manifest
Get your questions answered
- For questions regarding this process, contact the CDC Sample Logistics Laboratory by phone at 770-488-7227 or by email at NCEHsamplelogistics@cdc.gov.
- The CDC information line is another important source of information. Call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or send an email.
- Understand what causes contamination versus exposure.
Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health