ISO 23588:2023

Overview

ISO 23588:2023 - Radiological protection - General requirements for proficiency tests for in vivo radiobioassay - defines general requirements for proficiency testing of in vivo bioassay measurement facilities operating whole‑body counters (WBC) or partial‑body counters (PBC). The standard sets minimum technical expectations for proficiency tests used by dosimetry laboratories (including accredited services) and provides guidance for broader intercomparison schemes involving non‑accredited facilities. It covers tests that require quantification of radionuclides and tests that require identification plus activity determination, but does not prescribe administrative arrangements (shipping, finance).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of proficiency tests: Purpose, eligible participants, test type (measurement audit, sequential phantom test), and statistical analysis plan.
• Planning and measurement tasks: Choice of body region (whole‑body, lung, thyroid), selection of radionuclides or surrogate nuclides, and relevant exposure scenarios (inhalation, ingestion, wound).
• Minimum testing levels (MTL): Defined baseline measurement capability for participating accredited laboratories (see ISO 28218 and Annex C for MTL guidance).
• Activity ranges and phantom selection: Guidance on activity distribution, homogeneous vs. complex distributions, and recommendation to include common in‑body nuclides (e.g., K‑40) where relevant.
• Preparation and QA: Procedures for preparing phantoms and test sources, attendant roles, and quality assurance of test materials.
• Conduct and reporting: On‑site phantom set‑up, measurement procedures, standardized reporting protocols, and participant instructions.
• Data analysis and evaluation: Determination of assigned values, calculation of performance scores, statistical evaluation and reporting of proficiency results (aligned with ISO/IEC 17043 and ISO 13528 principles).

Practical applications and intended users

Who uses ISO 23588:2023:

• Accredited dosimetry laboratories needing formal proficiency testing for accreditation and quality assurance.
• Regulatory bodies and proficiency test organizers designing intercomparison schemes.
• Nuclear facilities, hospitals and universities conducting worker surveillance or capability checks.
• Emergency response organizations validating in vivo monitoring readiness.

Practical benefits:

• Ensures consistent, traceable proficiency testing for in vivo radiobioassay and whole‑body/partial‑body monitoring.
• Supports method validation, performance benchmarking, training, and emergency preparedness.
• Facilitates reliable estimation of internal doses through validated measurement capabilities.

Related standards

• ISO 28218:2010 - Performance criteria for radiobioassay (referenced for radionuclide lists and MTLs)
• ISO/IEC 17043 - General requirements for proficiency testing providers
• ISO 13528 - Statistical methods for proficiency testing evaluation
• IEC 61582 and ISO 12749-2 - Instrumentation and terminology relevant to in vivo monitoring

Keywords: ISO 23588:2023, in vivo radiobioassay, proficiency tests, whole‑body counter, partial body counter, MTL, radionuclide identification, radiological protection, dosimetry laboratories.