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Radioanalytical data quality objectives and measurement quality objectives during a Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center response

  • QA/AC and Radiological Emergency Response Measurements
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Abstract

During the early and intermediate phases of a nuclear or radiological incident, the Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC) collects environmental samples that are analyzed by organizations with radioanalytical capability. Resources dedicated to quality assurance (QA) activities must be sufficient to assure that appropriate radioanalytical measurement quality objectives (MQOs) and assessment data quality objectives (DQOs) are met. As the emergency stabilizes, QA activities will evolve commensurate with the need to reach appropriate DQOs. The MQOs represent a compromise between precise analytical determinations and the timeliness necessary for emergency response activities. Minimum detectable concentration (MDC), lower limit of detection, and critical level tests can all serve as measurements reflecting the MQOs. The relationship among protective action guides (PAGs), derived response levels (DRLs), and laboratory detection limits is described. The rationale used to determine the appropriate laboratory detection limit is described.

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  1. Bechtel Nevada, P.O. Box 98521, Las Vegas, NV, 89193-8521, USA

    E. C. Nielsen

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  1. E. C. Nielsen
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Correspondence to E. C. Nielsen.

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Nielsen, E.C. Radioanalytical data quality objectives and measurement quality objectives during a Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center response. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 276, 347–351 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-008-0510-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-008-0510-4

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