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Center for Radioanalysis & Quality Assurance
Radiation and Indoor Environments Laboratory
The Center for Radioanalysis and Quality Assurance (CRQA) analyzes monitoring and sampling data. The Center's mission is to provide accurate analysis of radionuclides in environmental surveillance samples and to demonstrate safe management of waste disposal.
Radioanalysis
Performing microwave digestion of environmental samples
CRQ offers a variety of specialized laboratory services:
- detection of low-level radiation
- analysis of environmental collection samples such as water, soil, sediments, air filters, ashed biological materials, and vegetation
- fixed and mobile laboratories equipped with an array of samplers and counters to prepare and analyze environmental samples
CRQ's comprehensive analytical laboratory specializes in:
- radiochemistry
- high resolution gamma spectroscopy
- thermoluminescent dosimetry
Strictest quality assurance standards are applied to all analyses in the laboratory. CRQ maintains a close relationship with field monitoring personnel for rapid, carefully controlled processing of samples from collection through analysis and documentation. CRQ applies advanced computer support in sample tracking and data management to ensure complete and concise radiation data.
CRQ is accredited by the Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program as a processor of personnel thermoluminescent dosimetry. CRQ participates in external quality assurance intercomparison programs such as the EPA Radiation Quality Assurance Program. All radioanalytical instrument calibration standards are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to ensure that all analytical equipment functions with accuracy.
Quality Assurance
Loading samples for tritium analysis
CRQ shares in EPA's responsibility for regulating many Department of Energy nuclear waste activities. CRQ oversees DOE's waste characterization data to assess completeness and compliance with applicable quality assurance requirements.
With thorough knowledge of waste management, CRQ can review and verify various aspects of nuclear waste activities:
- repository design and site characterization
- safe waste storage and management
- controlled migration of radionuclides
Contact Us
To learn more about the Center for Radioanalysis and Quality Assurance, you can contact us through radiation.questions@epa.gov, or by phone (702) 784-8200.
