Gammacell 40 Irradiation Facility

Director: Suzanne M. Michalek, PhD

Department/Center Association: Microbiology

Established: 1984

Mission

The Gammacell 40 was designed to meet the demanding needs of the medical and life science researcher. It is one of the most suitable irradiators for low dose biological studies, such as those involving small animals or cells. It is also useful for a wide range of experiments in the natural and physical sciences.

Facility Description

The secured facility is located in the Bevill Biomedical Research Building. The sample tray has a 12 inch diameter and is 4 inches high, which can accommodate most needs of investigators. The two 1800 Ci gamma sources of cesium-137 have a half-life of 30.2 years and, when new, provided a central dose rate of 132 Rads/min (1.32 Gy/min). The uniform dose rate of approximately ± 5% over the 12 inch diameter x 4 inch high volume centered in the irradiation chamber makes the Gammacell 40 uniquely suitable for experiments requiring close control of absorbed dose. The irradiator has a low dose rate of 7.9 x 10³ Roentgens/hour ± 15% or 132 Roentgens/minute ± 15%. The irradiator was originally purchased in 1984, and is routinely inspected/certified by the Radiation Safety Office (UAB Occupational Health & Safety). The source was 2427 Ci in September 1999, with a dose rate of ~80 Rads/min.

Research Information

Users of the irradiator must have training in radiation safety and have security clearance (contact the Director or UAB Occupational Health & Safety) prior to using the irradiator without supervision. All irradiation of animals must be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Contact Information

Core Director: Suzanne M. Michalek, PhD

Email: suemich@uab.edu

Phone: 205-934-3470

Approved by: Suzanne M. Michalek, PhD, Core Director

Date: February 25, 2008

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