Important Notice Regarding Irradiators for Research Use

Non-radioisotopic alternatives to cesium irradiators are now available that are comparable or even more effective for research, thanks to the maturation of technology. Many facilities throughout the United States already are using these alternatives, such as X-ray source irradiators, and the Department of Energy (DOE) is working with organizations to assist them in converting from cesium-137 irradiators.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute will work with the DOE to remove and dispose of the cesium irradiator located in the Abramson Research Center. After speaking with current users of the cesium irradiator over several months, we determined that plans to remove the cesium irradiator would not affect their research projects because they could switch to X-ray source irradiators at CHOP or use cesium irradiators at the University of Pennsylvania.

Current use of the cesium irradiator at CHOP may continue for ongoing projects until further notice; however, effective immediately, all new projects should use one of the following options.

Two X-ray irradiators are available at CHOP:

• A RadSource RS-2000-Pro 225 is located in Abramson Research Center, Room 211A.
• A Precision X-ray X-RAD 320 is located in Colket Translational Research Building, Level C.

Contact ResearchSafety@chop.edu <link> to inquire about training and access requirements.

Available at Penn:

• Cesium irradiators and X-ray irradiators for both animal use and cell use.

Contact Dr. Alan Mahoney to inquire about costs, training, and access requirements.

Please contact Matthew Hodgson with any questions about these changes.