Re: Liquid Scintillation Counters

[Debby Steva <dps3c@watt.seas.virginia.edu>]

Todd:

We bought the Packard 2300TR.  We looked at the big 3 companies and felt

that the Packard met our needs for ease of use.  We primarily use our
counter for
counting survey swipes and analysis of liquid waste and H-3 in
environmental water
sample analysis.  We like the view spectrum feature, so you can view the
spectrum
of any sample you are counting and there is software to let you
manipulate and
analyze the spectrum.  All 3 company's models were very good and fairly
similar,
but as I said, we felt the Packard model we bought seemed to be a little
easier to
use and the price was right.  We have had the machine for about 2 years
now and
have been happy with it.  We have also been happy with the prompt and
helpful
service we have gotten when we needed it.

D. Steva
University of Virginia

> We are presently making a decision concerning the purchase of a new
> LSC and
> would appreciate any suggestions, critiques, or anecdotes regarding
> your
> experiences with LS counters and their accompanying software.
>
> We are a research laboratory dealing with the usual isotopes found in
> a
> research/university setting (3H, 14C, 32P, 33P, 35S, 51Cr, 125I, 131I,
>
> etc.).  Primary uses would include laboratory swipe tests, waste
> sampling,
> and possibly sealed source leak testing (137Cs).
>
> Two of are main concerns are the ability to detect and identify small
> amounts of contamination and the accurate analysis of unknown,
> multiple
> isotope waste (will we be able to distinguish among isotopes to some
> degree
> of precision?).
>
> We known that Beckman, Packard, and Wallac all have comparable
> systems.  Are
> there others?  Which have you had experience with?  What do you
> like/dislike
> about your system?  Do you know of accompanying software to help with
> the
> isotope seperation problem?
>
> Any information would be appreciated.
>
> With great power...
>
> Todd Maxwell, RRPT
> The Scripps Research Institute
> Environmental Health and Safety, BCC078
> 10550 North Torrey Pines Road
> La Jolla, Calif. 92037
> toddmax@scripps.edu
>
> ...comes great responsibility.
>                 --Stan Lee