RE: Gamma Spec

["Erik C. Nielsen" <nielsenec@earthlink.net>]

Canberra's Genie Procount has a counting option to "count to MDA" for any 
particular nuclide or nuclides specified in the library.  You can even skip 
the count to MDA if the nuclide is positively identified....helpful if the 
nuclide is present in significant quantities.

You set a minimum count time and maximum count time.  After the minimum 
count time is reached the acquisition is paused and results calculated, if 
all MDA's specified are met the count is terminated. Otherwise the count 
continues until 1/10 ot the total count time has elapsed.  The pause and 
calculate procedure is repeated though this time an estimated count time is 
set as maximum count time.  When the next 1/10 of that interval passes the 
pause and calclulate procedure repeats...ad nauseum until all MDA's are met 
and the acquisition stops.

In a commercial lab setting this is very useful as we don't count a sample 
longer than needed to meet the customer's MDA requirements.

The most effective use of this feature is with a sample changer for 
automatic, unattended counting with maximum throughput.


Erik C. Nielsen
Radiochemistry Group Leader
mailto: enielsen@stl-inc.com
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