ISO 9978-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 9978:2020 — Radiation protection — Sealed sources — Leakage test methods. Specifies accepted methods for detecting and quantifying leakage from sealed radioactive sources, including both radioactive and non‑radioactive techniques, and guidance for method selection and application.

Abstract

This International Standard specifies the different leakage test methods for sealed sources and provides procedures for testing by radioactive and non‑radioactive means. It covers leakage testing after design classification (ISO 2919), production quality control and periodic in‑service inspections; Annex A gives guidance on choosing appropriate methods. The document emphasizes that compliance with this standard does not replace applicable IAEA or national regulatory requirements.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed by ISO systematic review).
• Publication date: 3 July 2020.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.280 (Radiation protection).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2020).
• Number of pages: 13.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details above are taken from the ISO record for ISO 9978:2020.

Scope

ISO 9978:2020 applies to leakage testing of sealed radioactive sources in three main situations: (1) leakage testing of test sources following design classification testing in accordance with ISO 2919; (2) production quality control testing of sealed sources; and (3) periodic inspections during the working life of sealed sources. The standard provides procedures for both radioactive‑means tests (e.g., immersion, wipe/smear and radiometric measurements) and non‑radioactive test methods, plus guidance on selecting the most suitable method for a given source type and situation. It also notes that special tests may be required in some circumstances and that regulatory requirements (IAEA and national) remain applicable.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and classification context for sealed sources (linked to ISO 2919 design classification).
• Requirements and acceptance/limiting values for leakage test results and detection thresholds.
• Test methods by radioactive means (immersion tests, wipe/smear tests, radiometric measurement techniques) and procedural details for each method.
• Non‑radioactive test methods and when they are appropriate.
• Guidance (Annex A) on selecting the most suitable test method(s) for a given source design, activity and use case.
• Notes on production quality control, periodic inspections, and special circumstances where additional testing may be needed.
• Reminder that compliance with this standard does not replace IAEA or national regulatory obligations for production, use, transport and storage of sealed sources.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of sealed radioactive sources (production quality control), testing laboratories and service providers performing leakage tests, regulatory authorities and inspection bodies, health physics and radiation protection professionals, and operators of equipment containing sealed sources (medical, industrial radiography, gauges, research facilities). The standard guides procedural selection, test execution and interpretation of results for routine and acceptance testing.

Related standards

ISO 9978:2020 is closely related to ISO 2919 (design classification of sealed sources) and references relevant IAEA regulations for sealed sources and transport. The ISO text has been adopted as a European standard (EN ISO 9978) without modification.

Keywords

sealed source, leakage test, leak test, radiation protection, ISO 9978, ISO 2919, immersion test, wipe test, smear test, radiometric measurement, production quality control, periodic inspection, Annex A guidance

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 9978:2020 is an international standard that specifies methods for leakage testing of sealed radioactive sources (both radioactive and non‑radioactive test methods) and provides guidance for method selection and application.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers leakage testing after design classification (ISO 2919), production quality control of sealed sources and periodic inspections during the working life of sources. It details test procedures, detection thresholds and limiting values, and includes guidance on choosing suitable methods (Annex A).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of sealed sources, accredited test laboratories and service providers, radiation protection professionals, medical and industrial users of sealed sources, and national/regulatory inspection bodies. These users apply the standard for routine acceptance testing, QC and periodic leak inspections.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 9978:2020 (2nd edition, published 3 July 2020) is the current edition; ISO records show it was reviewed and confirmed in 2025 and therefore remains current.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is related to other standards in the sealed‑source and radiation‑protection series, most notably ISO 2919 (design classification of sealed sources). Regional adoptions (for example EN ISO 9978) exist where the ISO text is endorsed as a regional standard.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sealed source, leakage, leak test, immersion test, wipe/smear test, radiometric measurement, production QC, periodic inspection, radiation protection, ISO 2919.