EURADOS ICIDOSE#2 - InterComparison of Internal DOSE assessment #2

Introduction

Internal dose assessment intercomparison exercises offer several advantages. They aid in verifying the performance of an internal dosimetry service, promote the harmonization of dose assessments, and identify areas for improvement. In 2017, the Internal Dosimetry Group (WG7) of EURADOS organized an intercomparison named ICIDOSE 2017. The primary aim of this initiative was to test the practical applicability of new technical recommendations issued by the European Commission (RP188). A second intercomparison, ICIDOSE#2, is scheduled for 2024 and will once again be organized by EURADOS WG7.

Scope

The objective of ICIDOSE#2 is for participants to assess internal dose according to either the most recent recommendations (RP188, ICRP OIR Report Series) or to the standards for accreditation. The exercise consists of five different cases, varying in complexity from simple to more challenging scenarios. This approach is designed to address common issues encountered routinely or more seldom in internal dosimetry.

Intercomparison procedure

Upon registration participants will be issued an identifier code enabling access to a website, where instructions for participants, case descriptions for evaluation, and the required format(s) for result submission will be accessible. To ensure your participation, kindly reach out to us before 30/06/2024 with your expression of interest via the website: https://icidose.ek.hun-ren.hu.
The intercomparison includes five different cases, each posing its own set of challenges. These cases are as follows:

• a straightforward scenario involving Cs-137 whole-body counter measurements,
• a case study featuring data on thyroid and urine measurements for I-131,
• tritium in urine monitoring data over a period of several months,
• a case involving wounds contaminated with Pu-239, Pu-240, Am-241,
• a particularly unique scenario focusing on the inhalation of S-35 by a pregnant worker.

Some cases feature only a limited number of (early-phase) data points, whereas others have more extensive data available over extended periods. Moreover, dose assessments will rely on prolonged monitoring intervals, such as records covering an entire year. The intercomparison covers scenarios including dose assessments after routine monitoring, subsequent assessments following negative results, as well as considerations for new intakes necessitating special monitoring. Additionally, a special case is included, specifically designed to prompt a reevaluation of established methodologies.
Participants are not obliged to respond to all cases; instead, they may select the specific case(s) for which they would like to provide responses. Each participant is permitted to submit only one solution per case, but will be able to revise their previously submitted results until the submission deadline.

Intercomparison report

The Organization Group will prepare a report summarizing the results and key findings of the intercomparison.
The identifier, assigned to each participant and known solely to the Organization Group, will allow the results to be presented anonymously.
Participants have the opportunity to utilize their participation in the exercise to demonstrate the quality of their performance to the national competent authority.

Final workshop

A dedicated workshop will focus on presenting and discussing the results with both the Organization Group and all participants. The specific date and venue for this meeting will be announced at a later time.

Time schedule

Milestones 

• Announcement of ICIDOSE#2: 07/05/2024 
• Deadline for expressing interest in participating in ICIDOSE#2: 30/06/2024 
• Start of availability of case descriptions, instructions and forms for download on the ICIDOSE#2 website: 01/09/2024 
• Deadline for submitting case evaluations: 30/11/2024 
• Release of preliminary overall results: 31/01/2025 
• Conclusion of the evaluation of results: 30/03/2025 
• Workshop for ICIDOSE#2 participants: Spring of 2025 
• Publication of the Intercomparison Report: 31/08/2025

Organization Group

• Derek BINGHAM, AWE, United Kingdom 
• Bastian BREUSTEDT, KIT, Germany 
• David BROGGIO, IRSN, France 
• Guillaume DROUET, IRSN, France 
• Pavel FOJTIK, SURO, Czech Republic 
• Augusto GIUSSANI, BfS, Germany 
• Simone LÖSCHER, BfS, Germany 
• Jakub OSKO, NCBJ, Poland 
• Anna PÁNTYA, HUN-REN EK, Hungary 
• Tamás PÁZMÁNDI, HUN-REN EK, Hungary 
• Zsófia RÉKASI, HUN-REN EK, Hungary 
• Vendula ROVENSKÁ, SURO, Czech Republic 
• David SPENCER, Nuvia, United Kingdom

Contact persons

• Tamás PÁZMÁNDI (pazmandi [dot] tamas [at] ek [dot] hun-ren [dot] hu)
• Anna PÁNTYA (pantya [dot] anna [at] ek [dot] hun-ren [dot] hu)