Discussion of challenges encountered during the collection and submission of wipe/leak test samples

Summary

Collection and submission challenges are encountered during analysis of samples taken on devices containing radioactive materials. The sample analysis is for either gross alpha-counting by gas-flow proportional counting or low-level beta-counting by liquid scintillation counting. Technical manuals, safety and maintenance messages, provide established policies for the collection and submission of the samples. The analytical challenges range from incorrect sampling media to improper packaging and shipping of the samples. Since quality starts with sample collection and the samples are not being collected and/or submitted correctly, the counting laboratory may not be able to provide meaningful analytical results to the customer.