AbacosPLUS Whole Body Counting Software

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Features

• Based on ABACOS, the world's most widely used WBC software.
• Menu driven for easy-to-use Routine and Automated operations.
• Supports Germanium and NaI(Tl) detectors with user-definable multi-detector counters.
• Supports Motor Controllers for scanning systems.
• Supports the Model 2252 Automatic Fastscan Option for unattended self-service operation.
• Choice of algorithms includes Unknown and Library driven peak search algorithms with Background Erosion.
• Supports multi-channel scaling for scanning systems.
• Contains extensive quality assurance program including capability of trending all computer controlled settings and parameters.
• Includes both Interactive and Preset modes for Counting, Analysis and Reporting.
• Provides results database and electronic review record for data review.
• Complete archival of all spectral data and computer controlled processing parameters for a legal record of system conditions at the time of the count.
• Supports dose calculations via ICRP-30 methods.
• Optional Low Energy algorithm for U/Pu counting, including CWT calculation and accurate efficiency extrapolation.
• Provides multi-level security, including superior VMS system security and functional protection within Abacos-PLUS.

Supports Network Configurations which provide:

• Remote system management via AIM and ICB NIM electronics.
• Reporting and Analysis from a Remote X-Terminal or Alpha Workstation.

Description

The ABACOS family of Whole Body Counting software is the worlds most widely used tool for high quality analysis of spectra from in vivo counters. AbacosPLUS is CANBERRA's AXP based whole body counting software which combines the best features of the previous CANBERRA ABACOS-II and Nuclear Data Whole Body Counting packages. AbacosPLUS is the recommended software for most WBC applications. In vivo counting is a demanding task that utilizes and truly needs inherent AXP/VMS capabilities of data security network connectivity, and multi-user/multi-tasking.

AbacosPLUS is designed to operate on the Genie Family of AIM MCA systems and can be used to operate virtually any commercially available or custom designed WBC system. There can be up to 32 NaI or Ge detectors. A stepping motor control interface is included for scanning bed or scanning detector systems. When used with a scanning system, the longitudinal activity distribution in the body can be displayed along with the normal pulse-height analysis spectra. Using the unique capabilities of the Genie system, any combination of detector outputs can be summed and displayed during the acquisition. In addition, these outputs can be automatically gain and zero compensated so that spectral data integrity is preserved in the summing process.

Algorithms

AbacosPLUS allows the user to select the calibration algorithm, and peak search and nuclide identification routines desired. The system can be optimized for Germanium or NaI, and for the complexity of the spectrum from the expected nuclides. Methods available include spline and empirical efficiency calibration methods, standard and Gamma-M peak search methods, and key line or weighted average nuclide identification methods.

A drawback of most programs for analysis of low intensity peaks in the vicinity of high background counts has been the peak search routine. CANBERRA recognized and solved this problem by implementing the Gamma-M routines. These include a unique background erosion process which separates the peaks in spectra from the underlying background component, followed by a library directed peak search and then an unknown peak search. ABACOS makes an a priori assumption that all peaks in the active library (user adjustable, of course) are present and then fits the expected peak shape to the energy region where the peak should be, and then statistically determines the peak's presence and its area, if present. This truly allows near-MDA peaks to be reliably found, even if they are only a few counts in area or are on a zero-count background.

Low Energy Lung Count Routines (Optional)

Optional low energy lung counting routines are available for lung and organ counting systems used for detection of low energy nuclides such as ²³⁵U, ²³⁹Pu, and ²⁴¹Am. The differences in attenuation by the subject chest wall become significant at low energies. Because the chest wall thickness (CWT) varies from individual to individual, more accurate results may be obtained by using a more exact efficiency for the individual's CWT.

The optional low energy routines offered to supplement AbacosPLUS include a CWT calculation routine and a routine to extrapolate between a series of calculated efficiencies to obtain the exact efficiency for the CWT of an individual.

Routine Counts - Just Logon and Go

Routine counting operations provided by AbacosPLUS allow the user to run a simple command to perform an entire count sequence, complete with data acquisition, analysis and reporting.

Routine Operations

Routine operations are easy to use tasks. Routine subject counting can be performed with minimal operator interaction. Simple menu screens guide the operator to select the count type and enter necessary demographic data. All of the parameters are preset so the technician only has to choose a Counter (e.g. FASTSCAN) and Count Type (e.g. Individual - 60 sec), start the count, and then enter the subject ID. AbacosPLUS takes it from there.

The MCA stops when the time has elapsed, the spectra are stored, the analysis performed, and the results are tested against user specified limits. All spectral data results, and processing parameters are stored for future reference.

Database for Subject Demographics

Default personnel information is maintained in a CAM file database. Subjects are identified by name or ID number. Data entry screens with pre-defined personnel information from the database are automatically displayed during Routine Counts. The predefined information may be accepted for storage with the count data, or may be modified for storage with the count file. Simple fill-in-the-blank dialogs prompt the operator for the needed information.

This input process runs in parallel with the Routine Count for maximum system throughput.

Analysis and Reporting

At the completion of the Routine Count the results may be displayed on the CRT, or a hard copy may be generated. The predefined Routine count parameters determine which analyses methods and libraries are used to generate the output report.

Standard output reports contain demographic information, analysis methods and libraries used, peak analysis results, nuclide identification results, unknown peaks, and other requested information such as dose, DAC-hr, and Action Level Results.

Routine count results are sent to the Logbook Database. The results are then readily available for screening, batch reporting, and electronic review using the Manual and Batch functions of AbacosPLUS.

Routine QA count results are compared to QA warning levels as defined by the user. The technician is alerted if any of the warning levels is exceeded. The QA data is stored in QA trending files, which may be manually plotted.

System Management - Time Saving Features

Various time savings features are available within AbacosPLUS/Genie systems. These include personnel and results databases, and batch, QA trending, calibration and analysis functions. Newer system management time-saving functions are shown below with the appropriate earliest version of Consolidated Distribution.

Personnel Database

The Personnel Database allows worker information to be entered prior to the count and eliminates the need for entering the same individual's demographic information more than once.

Logbook Database

The Logbook Database allows the dosimetry manager to screen multiple results at one time, rather than reviewing each report individually. The dosimetry manager may then select individual reports for further scrutiny. Short and long form logbook reports
are available.

An optional ASCII output report which may be used to interface the AbacosPLUS system with an external database such as HIS-20 is available.

Batch Functions (V4.1)

The Logbook Database makes it possible to have batch functions which make the job of data reporting and reviewing easier. Using the Logbook selection filters, the manager can batch report and electronically review groups of files.

Certificate Files for Simplified Energy and Efficiency Calibration

Certificate files containing complete data on the calibration sources greatly simplify the calibration process. Since certificate files eliminate complex manual data entry when a calibration is performed, they improve system integrity by eliminating a potential source for error.

Calibration Plots and Report for Instant Verification

When a calibration is performed the curves are displayed both numerically and graphically, allowing for quick verification of the results.  Data for the calibration can come from a single mixed nuclide acquisition or from several different calibration acquisitions and then combined to yield a single optimized curve.

Nuclide Library Editor for Easier Library Customization

A simple fill-the-blank library editor makes it easy to have multiple radionuclide libraries, each custom-tailored to a specific location, unique environmental setting, or a particular type of analysis.

QA System for Tracking System Performance Over Time

The Genie Quality Assurance System is used by AbacosPLUS to track the performance of the system over time. Variations in background levels, the impact of ambient temperature changes, and the effect of aging of the system's components are among the many parameters that can be monitored. Any information accessible to the computer may be stored and trended. All information goes into a QA database, and a flexible reporting mechanism is provided for trend analysis.

Sum of Action Level Logic for Sophisticated Decision Making (V4.1)

The nuclide based action level logic has been enhanced so that the computer can be used for determining whether a count is acceptable. Two user definable action levels are provided per library nuclide. The nuclide activity (or MDA, or upper bound of activity) is ratioed to the Action Level, and the fractions for each nuclide, for each level, are summed. The resultant sum for each level is compared to 1.0.

A condition for [above] or for [equal to or below] the value is met for the combination of levels. The user may define an alphanumeric string associated with each of 8 conditions. For example:

Level 1 £ and Level 2 £

means "Results Good, Go Back to Work".

Automated Gain Adjustment (V5.0)

An automated gain adjustment feature which is used with ICB NIM (computer controlled) allows the user to place a known source on the system, count the source, and the software automatically adjusts the ICB NIM gain as necessary to maintain peak locations consistent with the detector energy calibration.

Options to AbacosPLUS

Unattended Operation - Automated Fastscan Option (V4.1)

AbacosPLUS is also completely compatible with the Model 2252 AutoScan Option, providing the flexibility of automatic self-service operation with any Fastscan Whole Body Counting System. Using a bar-code reader and keypad for input, the AutoScan makes WBC as easy as a simple gross counting, with the added benefits of:

• The low MDAs of a true spectrographic WBC.
• The full legal and regulatory protection of a gamma spectrographic record.

HIS-20

The HIS-20 or HIS-Protoge health physics database software may be used to provide plant-wide health physics support. These health physics databases may be used to interface with AbacosPLUS and to maintain output results from AbacosPLUS.

CINDY

The CINDY dose calculation software may be used to calculate intake and dose from multiple AbacosPLUS counts. CINDY was developed for the U.S. DOE research facilities by Battelle PNL. CINDY has 15 biokinetic models available, and stores parameters for over 200 radionuclides.

Training and Services

CANBERRA's service group provides operator training courses for users of AbacosPLUS. Training of interest to AbacosPLUS users in addition to the operator's course might include VMS system management training, internal dosimetry training, and gamma spectroscopy training.

Software support services are also available. These include telephone support and upgrades to existing software.  

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Models
INVIVOLL: ABACOS-PLUS Unlimited Use License AXP	Request a Quote
INVIVO/S: ABACOS-Plus Software Support - 1 Yr	Request a Quote