The RamLab is a Unversity service center operated by Environmental Health and Radiation Safety. Established in 1997, we provide commonly used radioactive compounds to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and affiliated institutions operating under our PADEP license.
EHRS purchases P-32, S-35, and P-33 in bulk and distributes the material in smaller quantities to researchers. This saves money, reduces the number of incoming packages, allows for better accountability of material received, decreases the activity in the labs by allowing them to order the actual amount of material needed for their experiments, and decreases the labs record keeping requirements. By minimizing the amount of radioactive material required for each experiment, this system minimizes the doses in the laboratories and the quantity of activity in the radioactive waste streams. Personnel receiving the radioactive material are instructed in the proper procedures for package receipt, including: monitoring; inventory; safe handling practices; and material control.