Estimating minimum detectable concentrations achievable while scanning building surfaces and land areas
- Oak Ridge Inst. for Science and Education, TN (United States). Environmental Survey and Site Assessment Program
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States). Human Factors and Performance Analysis Group
Scanning is performed during radiological surveys to identify elevated levels of direct radiation. The levels detected depend on the surveyor`s abilities and decision processes. A method is described for anticipating levels that surveyors might reasonably be expected to detect in scanning by estimating the increment in a survey instrument`s counting rate that would be necessary to support specified limits on Type 1 and Type 2 error rates, taking into account the fact that human beings typically do not operate with perfect efficiency. The result is applied to calculations of minimum detectable concentrations (MDCs) achievable while scanning structure surfaces and land areas. The approaches used for determining scan MDCs are provided, along with examples for common radionuclide contaminants and field survey instrumentation.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States). Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 318653
- Journal Information:
- Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 76; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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