Aer 5000 – Continuous Alpha/Beta Aerosol Monitor for Critical Environments is a compact alpha/beta aerosol monitor, ideal for laboratories, nuclear medicine hospitals and controlled facilities. Designed for monitoring radionuclides used in cancer therapies, such as Ac-225, Th-227 and Ra-223, the equipment ensures accurate detection of radioactive contamination in the air.
– Compact desktop design for easy integration into laboratories and hospitals nuclear medicine environments
– Monitoring of Radon (Rn-222), Thoron (Rn-220) and Actinonium (Rn-219) decay products
– Optimized measurement cycle for Ac-225, Th-227 and Ra-223 (in compliance with security protocols)
– Configurable alarm system with visual and audible alerts
– Automatic continuous filter with up to 1 year of autonomy or manual filter option
– Internal battery backup (6h runtime) for continuous operation in the event of a power failure
– Intuitive touch interface for easy analysis and configuration
– Versatile connectivity via USB, RS232, RS485 and Ethernet/Wi-Fi (optional)
Applications:
- Hospitals and nuclear medicine clinics – Monitoring air quality in Ac-225, Th-227 and Ra-223 laboratories
- Radiopharmaceutical production environments – Control of radionuclide dispersion
- Research laboratories – Spectroscopic analysis of radioactive particles
- Radiological protection – Detection of inhalation risks for medical and scientific professionals
Includes: Aer 5000 Desktop Monitor, dVISION software for data analysis and management, accessories and calibration certification.
Specific Application: Thorium-227 Therapy
The Aer 5000 Desktop has been specially adapted for monitoring environments where Thorium-227 (227Th) oncological therapies are performed, marketed under the Xofigo brand. This innovative therapy uses alpha radiation for cancer treatment, particularly bone metastases in prostate cancer.
Monitoring Challenge
During the production and application of 227Th preparations, Actinon (219Rn) is released, a radon isotope that is part of the Thorium-227 decay chain:
227Th → 223Ra → 219Rn (Actinon) → alpha decay products
Actinon, being a noble gas, disperses rapidly in the environment through diffusion, making direct measurement of 227Th/223Ra impossible using conventional spectroscopic methods, since the concentration of radon decay products exceeds the therapeutic material concentration by several orders of magnitude.
Technological Solution
The Aer 5000 implements a 24-hour measurement cycle developed by SARAD in cooperation with Bayer AG:
- 8 hours exposure: Continuous aerosol sampling on the filter
- 6 hours decay: Waiting period for complete decay of short-lived radon isotopes (222Rn and 219Rn)
- 10 hours analysis: Alpha spectroscopic measurement of remaining Thorium-227 and Radium-223
This method achieves detection limits in the order of mBq/m³, meeting stringent radiological protection requirements in clinical environments.
Safety Standards
Continuous monitoring with the Aer 5000 ensures compliance with safety protocols for:
- Radiopharmaceutical preparation rooms
- 227Th therapy administration areas
- Nuclear medicine research laboratories
- Protection of workers exposed to alpha radionuclides
