I want to do an experiment in AggieRad. What do I do next?
There are several things that will need to do, but most of these only need to be done once:
- Ensure that the principal investigator on the project has a radioactive material license for the nuclides that you will be using. If not, then they should contact the Radiological Safety Office to discuss applying for a permit.
- Arrange to have the AggieRad laboratories, Teague 027 and Teague 029, added as approved locations on the radioactive material license. If you already have a license, then you will need to amend it. In either case, the Chemistry Department Head will need to approve this.
- All users are required to have completed the university’s General Radiation Safety Training. Go to rammgt.tamu.edu, log in using your NetID, and navigate to the training. This training is typically only offered once per month, so please plan ahead.
- Complete the Facility Request Form and return it to AggieRad@tamu.edu. You will need your training record, which is available from rammgt.tamu.edu.
One of our staff will contact you to discuss your project and any issues that come up during the review. After that, we will also arrange for you to have the required on-the-job training.
How long does it take for an experiment to be approved?
There are several steps involved to approve an experiment for the first time. (See the list above). This can take several weeks, so please start early. After an experiment has been performed safely, future similar experiments can be approved more quickly. However, new experiments will still need to go through the full review process. Please contact us at AggieRad@tamu.edu if you have questions.
What instruments are available?
A full list is given on our user information page.
Is there a limit to the amount of activity that can be handled?
The amount of activity that will be allowed for each project will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. At no time may your project have more activity in AggieRad than what is allowed on your radioactive material license. At all times, users are required to follow the principle of ALARA, i.e., the amount of activity must be kept as low as reasonably achievable in order to complete the work.
Can I work in AggieRad after hours?
In general, users may only work between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Central time on days when the university is open as normal. If your project has a compelling technical reason, then after-hours access can be discussed. Please contact us at AggieRad@tamu.edu.
Can I be given a key to the AggieRad laboratories?
Access to the AggieRad laboratories is controlled by card readers and your Aggie Card. Go to MyAggieCard.tamu.edu to get your Aggie Card.
What are AggieRad’s fees?
AggieRad costs $50 per hour with a one hour minimum.