National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

Accurate radioactivity measurement is essential for regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring and the safe operation of nuclear and industrial processes. Even small measurement errors can affect impact decision making and reduce confidence in results. NPL supports laboratories and organisations with high-purity radionuclide standards, traceable calibration and proficiency testing (PT) schemes to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Our latest eBook explores the role of PT, calibration, traceability and best practice in delivering consistent radioactivity measurement in a wide range of applications.

Accurate radioactivity measurement is essential for regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring and the safe operation of nuclear and industrial processes. Even small measurement errors can impact decision making and reduce confidence in results. NPL supports laboratories and organisations with high-purity radionuclide standards, traceable calibration and proficiency testing (PT) schemes to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Our latest eBook explores the role of PT, calibration, traceability and best practice in delivering consistent radioactivity measurement in a wide range of applications.

Proficiency testing (PT) is a key part of demonstrating measurement quality. It provides independent evidence that your laboratory is delivering accurate and reliable results. NPL’s environmental radioactivity PT scheme enables laboratories to assess their performance against reference values. Participants are sent test samples containing alpha, beta and gamma emitting radionuclides at activity levels relevant to environmental applications. Registration for the scheme runs from August to October, with approximately three months to complete measurements and submit results. An anonymised confidential report provides clear performance feedback.

Confidence in your measurement results starts with the right calibration approach. Traceable radionuclide standards and well-characterised reference materials play a key role in delivering consistent, reliable data across applications. This is where NPL’s expertise in nuclear metrology supports laboratories in maintaining measurement confidence. Our gamma spectrometry calibration mixed solution is produced in limited batches, with allocation on a first come, first served basis. Early registration helps ensure availability and supports more frequent production.

Precise calibration is key for effective nuclear medicine. Hospitals and radiopharmaceutical manufacturers rely on accurate measurements to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. We supply certified standards for isotopes such as F-18, Tc-99m and Lu-177, reducing uncertainty and enabling confident calibration of ionisation chambers and dose measurement systems.

Accurate radioactivity measurement is essential across healthcare, industry, defence and environmental monitoring, where even minor uncertainties can impact compliance and decision-making. We provide certified radionuclide standards, proficiency testing and expert consultancy to ensure every measurement is traceable and dependable.