Polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles for rapid bioassay of 90Sr in human urine samples

A rapid bioassay for 90Sr was developed involving preconcentration of 90Sr/90Y from human urine samples with a cation exchange polymer (poly–acrylamido–methyl–propanesulfonic acid) coated onto magnetic nanoparticles, followed by selective elution of 90Sr (over 90Y) with phosphate for determination by liquid scintillation analysis. The minimum detectable activity for this method (4.9 ± 0.5 Bq/L) is lower than the required sensitivity of 19 Bq/L for 90Sr in human urine samples, as defined in the requirements for radiation emergency bioassay techniques for the public and first responders based on the dose threshold for possible medical attention recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The relative bias was 9.2%, the relative precision was 3.2%, and the linear dynamic range covered 12–600 Bq/L. This simple and rapid bioassay method is found to be in compliance with the HPS ANSI N13.30 performance criteria for radiobioassay.