Guidance from the SAC

2017 Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting

 

Each year, the SAC provides feedback for the USTUR’s faculty and staff. This feedback comes in the form of general comments on the work that the USTUR is conducting, and recommendations as to what the USTUR should focus on in the coming year.

Comments

1. Significant progress in promoting the value of the USTUR has been made through presentations and publications surrounding the 50th anniversary.
2. Significant progress in promoting two staff members from research associates to assistant research professors was made.
3. Significant progress has been made in formalizing research goals and objectives provided in presentations.
4. Demonstration of the value of the program to the current and future DOE officials has been attempted.
5. Progress has been made in exploring opportunities for relationships with educational institutions and offering practical opportunities for research and nursing students.
6. Progress has been made in developing scientific collaborations.

Recommendations

1. A formal documentation of research goals and objectives is still recommended, including a revised mission for the use of data for improving biokinetic models and other applications.
2. Demonstration of the value of the program to the current and future DOE officials needs further effort.
3. Promotion of the program and staff through publication of work (~2 papers per year per professional staff) is recommended.
4. Additional efforts to bring about the planned scientific collaborations are recommended.
5. Develop Measurement Quality Objectives (MQOs) for radiochemical measurements based on the objectives (e.g. DQOs or other process-developed objectives) of the use of the data that drive the tolerance limits used to control the quality of the measurement processes. These MQOs should include accuracy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, and completeness objectives. Tolerance limits and charts should be used instead of control limits and charts for calibration checks and control samples using accuracy and precision MQOs. Detection decisions should be based on the use of critical values rather than minimum detectable activity (MDA) values. Critical values and MDA should be calculated based on sensitivity MQOs.
6. Consideration should be made for collection of bioassay monitoring data (urinalysis) from living Registrants. Modern excretion data can be used for comparison with the body burden from autopsy for updating excretion models.
7. It is recommended that there be a periodic review and update of future goals and plans using a 5 year, 10 year, and beyond horizons. The initial review in a draft form should be available for the next SAC meeting. The USTUR should consider a shift from the generation of data to the use of data.
8. Progress should be made in strengthening the relationship with the WSU Pullman, Spokane, and Tri-Cities campuses and taking advantage of the relationships that have been initiated.