Minimum Detectable Activity -Reply

[IDAUERL@ip3gate.usa.com]

Some good references that include derivations are:

ASTM Standard Test Method for High-resolution gamma-ray
spectrometry of water. ASTM D3649-91;1991

Brodsky, Accuracy and detection limits for bioassay measurements in
radiation protection. NUREG-1156; 1986

Chambless, et. al. Detection limit concepts: Foundations, myths, and
utilization. Health Physics 63:338-340; 1992

Currie, L. Limits for qualitative detection and quantitative determination.
Anal. Chem. 40:586-593; 1968

Currie, L. Lower Limit of Detection: Definition and elaboration of a
proposed position for radiological effluent and environmental
measurements. NUREG/CR-4007; 1984

Lochamy, J. The minimum detectable activity concept. Charlotte, NC: Duke
Power Company; National Bureau of Standards, Report No. NBS-SP456;
1976

Strom, D.; Stansbury, P.  Minimum detectable activity when background is
counted longer than the sample. Health Physics 63:360-361;1992

Mayer, D.; Dauer, L. Application of systematic error bounds to detection
limits for practical counting. Health Physics 65:89-91;1993

There are others, but this list should get you to what you are looking for.

Larry Dauer
idauerl@ip3gate.usa.com
914/736/8413