Accuracy, precision, and lower detection limits (a deficit reduction approach)

Conference · Tue Oct 12 00:00:00 EDT 1993

OSTI ID:10194959

Bishop, C T

The evaluation of the accuracy, precision and lower detection limits of the determination of trace radionuclides in environmental samples can become quite sophisticated and time consuming. This in turn could add significant cost to the analyses being performed. In the present method, a {open_quotes}deficit reduction approach{close_quotes} has been taken to keep costs low, but at the same time provide defensible data. In order to measure the accuracy of a particular method, reference samples are measured over the time period that the actual samples are being analyzed. Using a Lotus spreadsheet, data are compiled and an average accuracy is computed. If pairs of reference samples are analyzed, then precision can also be evaluated from the duplicate data sets. The standard deviation can be calculated if the reference concentrations of the duplicates are all in the same general range. Laboratory blanks are used to estimate the lower detection limits. The lower detection limit is calculated as 4.65 times the standard deviation of a set of blank determinations made over a given period of time. A Lotus spreadsheet is again used to compile data and LDLs over different periods of time can be compared.

• Research Organization: Fernald Environmental Restoration Management Corp., Cincinnati, OH (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-92OR21972
• OSTI ID: 10194959
• Report Number(s): FEMP-2301; CONF-9310228-1; ON: DE94003189; TRN: 94:000785
• Resource Relation: Conference: 39. annual conference on bioassay, analytical and environmental radiochemistry,Colorado Springs, CO (United States),11-15 Oct 1993; Other Information: PBD: 12 Oct 1993
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
RADIOISOTOPES
DETECTION
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
CALCULATION METHODS
ACCURACY
COST
SENSITIVITY
TRACE AMOUNTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
DATA BASE MANAGEMENT
CALIBRATION STANDARDS
L CODES
540230
540130
540330
990301
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS MONITORING AND TRANSPORT
DATA HANDLING