RE: Swipe Testing

[TSorensen@os.varian.com (Sorensen, Tony)]

I think this is an interesting subject.

Notes in the surface contamination limit tables in both 10 CFR 835 and   NRC Reg. Guide 1.86 state that removable activity "...should be   determined by wiping that area with dry filter paper...".  Increasing   efficiency by wiping larger areas than specified in the limit tables or   by moistening the wipe media, etc., is useful for detection and ALARA   purposes, however, for regulatory, posting and D & D purposes etc., it   seems appropriate to use the assumptions in the limit tables (i.e. dry   wipes).  Control measures based on the results of wipe methods which are   of higher efficiency than those specified in the limit tables could   result in additional costs, wastes, etc., not warranted by the potential   doses involved.  Of course, this assumes that the data and methods in the   limit tables are valid.

Tony Sorensen, RSO
Varian Oncology Systems
tony.sorensen@os.varian.com

 ----------
From:  radsafe[SMTP:radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu]
Sent:  Tuesday, September 30, 1997 4:11 PM
To:  Multiple recipients of list
Subject:  RE: Swipe Testing


Radsafers:
I read several messages regarding this issue and noticed that several of
you prep. your filters with ethanol before using. This is one of the   topics
we discussed with our regulators. Our inspector also prep. her filters
before swipe testing our facility.
We only use dry swipes because we feel that dry swiping mimics better   real
life conditions. The only purpose of our swipe testing is to detect
removable contamination which could lead to internal exposures and other
problems. Under normal conditions, people's hands and bodies are dry when
(and if) they touch the contaminated area.
Our regulator did not challenge our way of swiping but continues to prep.
her swipes which is fine with us also.
Any comments? If this "wet-dry" swiping issue has been discussed in
previous messages that I missed, I apologize.

Quang Le, RSO
ICN Biomedicals

Standard disclaimers...



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From: "Quang Le"<qmle@icnpharm.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
Subject: RE: Swipe Testing
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