Description
A scintillation vial is a type of laboratory container used for the collection and measurement of radioactive samples. Scintillation vials are typically made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene, that is opaque and light-tight. Scintillation vials are used in conjunction with scintillation cocktails, which are solutions containing a luminophore and a solvent. The sample to be measured is added to the scintillation cocktail, and the mixture is then placed into the scintillation vial. The radioactivity of the sample excites the luminophore, causing it to emit light. This light is then detected and counted by a scintillation counter, providing a measurement of the sample’s radioactivity.
Scintillation vials come in various shapes and sizes, with different capacities and features. Some scintillation vials are designed with a round bottom to allow for efficient mixing of the sample and scintillation cocktail, while others have a flat bottom for easy handling and storage.
The use of scintillation vials is a common and widely used method for measuring radioactivity in a variety of applications, including environmental monitoring, medical research, and basic science experiments. Proper handling and disposal procedures must be followed to ensure the safe and effective use of scintillation vials and the accurate measurement of radioactive samples.