Rapid and accurate assessment of the activity measurements in Brazilian hospitals and clinics

Traceability in Nuclear Medicine Service (NMS) measurements was checked by the Institute of Radioprotection and Dosimetry (IRD) through the Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN). In 2016, IRD ran an intercomparison program and invited Brazilian NMS authorized to administer 131I to patients. Sources of 131I were distributed to 33 NMSs. Three other sources from the same solution were sent to IRD, after measurement at IPEN. These sources were calibrated in the IRD reference system. A correction factor of 1.013 was obtained. Ninety percent of the NMS comparisons results are within ±10% of the National Laboratory of Metrology of Ionizing Radiation (LNMRI) value, the Brazilian legal requirement. •Traceability to the Brazilian metrological chain in nuclear medicine.•Adequate tool for assessing the quality of I-131 measurements in Hospitals and Clinics.•Showed that geographical obstacles can be overcome for short-lived radionuclides.•Demonstrated improvement in performance by participation in proficiency tests.•Indicated need for training and advice in the estimation of uncertainties.