Predicting instrument detection efficiency when scanning point and small area radiation sources

Health Phys. 2003 May;84(5):616-25. doi: 10.1097/00004032-200305000-00007.

Abstract

Accurate quantification of radionuclides detected during a scanning survey relies on an appropriately determined scan efficiency calibration factor (SECF). Traditionally, instrument efficiency is determined with a stationary instrument and a fixed source geometry. However, as is often the case, the instrument is used in a scanning mode where the source to instrument geometry is dynamic during the observation interval. Procedures were developed to determine the SECF for a point source ("hot particle") and a 10 x 10 cm source passing under the centerline of a 12.7 x 7.62 cm NaI(Tl) detector. The procedures were first tested to determine the SECF from a series of static point source measurements using Monte Carlo N-Particle code. These point static efficiency values were then used to predict the SECF for scan speeds ranging from 10 cm s(-1) to 80 cm s(-1) with a simulated instrument set to collect integrated counts for 1 s. The Monte Carlo N-Particle code was then used to directly determine the SECF by simulating a scan of a point source and 10 x 10 cm area source for scan speeds ranging from 10 cm s(-1) to 80 cm s(-1). Comparison with Monte Carlo N-Particle scan simulation showed the accuracy of the SECF prediction procedures to be within +/-5% for both point and area sources. Experimental results further showed the procedures developed to predict the actual SECF for a point and 10 x 10 cm source to be accurate to within +/-10%. Besides the obvious application to determine an SECF for a given scan speed, this method can be used to determine the maximum detector or source velocity for a desired minimum detectable activity. These procedures are effective and can likely be extended to determine an instrument specific SECF for a range of source sizes, scan speeds, and instrument observation intervals.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Calibration*
  • Environmental Monitoring / instrumentation
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / instrumentation
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / methods*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / standards
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Radiometry / instrumentation*
  • Radiometry / methods*
  • Radiometry / standards
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Scintillation Counting / instrumentation
  • Scintillation Counting / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Radioisotopes