The Apex-Gamma Lab Productivity Suite breaks the old models of gamma spec operation and offers a whole new level of functionality to improve productivity in lab operations. No longer is the gamma spec counting system a functionally isolated instrument – offering only basic counting, calibration and quality assurance capabilities. Apex-Gamma software integrates the gamma counting system with the complete operation of the laboratory – replacing what are typically manual and off-line processes with built-in, tightly integrated seamless functionality (Figure 1).

With Apex-Gamma software, the complete status of a multi-detector system is available at a glance. Click – and find all the samples waiting to be counted. Log samples into the system from the location where the information is known – in the sample preparation area. Let Apex-Gamma suite enforce your calibration/QA schedules and monitor QA results – and automatically take the appropriate action if something goes wrong. Use Apex-Gamma software to perform data review – verifying and correcting results as needed – even years after the initial count. Rely on the Apex-Gamma security system and event logs to control access to the system and construct detailed reports of all system activities.

The key to Apex-Gamma lab productivity lies in the extensive database built directly into the software. As samples are logged into the system, a sample database record is created which stays in the system as the sample moves through various stages of processing – counting, first and second data review, recounting, final results delivery and follow-up inquiry. Built on modern relational database technology, Apex-Gamma software gives you a complete view of what is going on in your lab. How many samples await processing? Apex-Gamma suite knows. Which samples await data review? Ask Apex-Gamma software. Which samples were counted on Detector 3, 20 mL water geometry, cooling water library in the last 20 days? It's an easy question for Apex-Gamma software.

Apex-Gamma suite is designed on a multi-user, client server model. Networked workstations allow you to operate from anywhere in the system. A typical system may have several workstations located within the lab counting area, one or more in sample receiving areas for sample log-in and additional workstations in supervisor or analyst's office for data review. This flexibility gives you optimum information access and system control – the capability you need exactly when and where you need it.

Apex-Gamma software even lets you operate multiple facilities from a single system – providing common resources to operate separate gamma counting operations. Hot lab/cold lab? Separate Health Physics/Radiochemistry/Training areas? HPGe and NaI detectors coexisting in one operation? All these variants can be controlled from one distributed Apex-Gamma system – separately partitioned for easy management and security access. (Figure 2).