PREDICTIVE RESEARCH FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY’S RADIOLOGICAL TRIAGE PROGRAM

The US Department of Energy’s Radiological Triage Program supports first-response teams with the analysis of nuclear data, specializing in the interpretation of gamma-ray spectra from portable radioisotope identifiers (RIIDs). Analysts provide rapid and accurate assessment to determine the presence of threats while striving to minimize their impact on the legitimate movement of people and goods. To serve this mission, it is important to stay knowledgeable about the complex and changing radioisotope industry. New radioisotope products and processes emerge on the market frequently, and each carries a risk of increased innocent alarms and delays. To mitigate this risk, we proactively research the production and distribution of these radioisotope products and their contaminants and study RIID performance. This paper discusses some of our recent findings and corrective actions.