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Title: When is a lower limit of detection low enough?

Abstract

In cleanup operations and environmental surveillance efforts, a level of concern usually specifies a concentration limit for a particular radionuclide above which some action may be warranted. It is critical that the analytical method selected for measurements has a detection limit well below the action level. This is to guarantee that the technique used provides precise assessment at the level of concern. Sample analysis made with good precision is one of the major steps for obtaining quality data that allow a sound decision on whether the nuclide concentration is in compliance. This paper examines how the magnitude of the detection limit of an analysis method affects the precision of a measurement at the action level. With the established relationship, the detection limit that would achieve a pre-set precision for measurements at a level of concern can be quantitatively determined. The desired detection capability thus serves as a guide for selecting the appropriate measurement system. 10 refs., 2 figs.

Authors:
;  [1]
  1. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA (United States)
Publication Date:
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
458852
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Health Physics
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 72; Journal Issue: 2; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
05 NUCLEAR FUELS; 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; REMEDIAL ACTION; PERFORMANCE; ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS; RADIOACTIVITY; CONTAMINATION; COMPLIANCE; RADIATION MONITORING; RADIOACTIVE WASTES; CALCULATION METHODS; DOSE LIMITS

Citation Formats

Fong, S H, and Alvarez, J L. When is a lower limit of detection low enough?. United States: N. p., 1997. Web. doi:10.1097/00004032-199702000-00012.
Fong, S H, & Alvarez, J L. When is a lower limit of detection low enough?. United States. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199702000-00012
Fong, S H, and Alvarez, J L. 1997. "When is a lower limit of detection low enough?". United States. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199702000-00012.
@article{osti_458852,
title = {When is a lower limit of detection low enough?},
author = {Fong, S H and Alvarez, J L},
abstractNote = {In cleanup operations and environmental surveillance efforts, a level of concern usually specifies a concentration limit for a particular radionuclide above which some action may be warranted. It is critical that the analytical method selected for measurements has a detection limit well below the action level. This is to guarantee that the technique used provides precise assessment at the level of concern. Sample analysis made with good precision is one of the major steps for obtaining quality data that allow a sound decision on whether the nuclide concentration is in compliance. This paper examines how the magnitude of the detection limit of an analysis method affects the precision of a measurement at the action level. With the established relationship, the detection limit that would achieve a pre-set precision for measurements at a level of concern can be quantitatively determined. The desired detection capability thus serves as a guide for selecting the appropriate measurement system. 10 refs., 2 figs.},
doi = {10.1097/00004032-199702000-00012},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/458852}, journal = {Health Physics},
number = 2,
volume = 72,
place = {United States},
year = {Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1997},
month = {Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1997}
}