Clarification of the calculation of minimum detectable activity in low-level radioactivity measurements.

We discuss a new method to determine the value of minimum detectable activity (MDA) in low-level measurements. The method is based on the Feldman-Cousins unified approach which effectively combines the construction of confidence intervals with the determination of the decision threshold and MDA. The new method requires a single probability to be pre-specified for the determination of MDA as well as decision threshold and confidence interval, in contrast with the ISO 11929 method requiring three probabilities.

A preliminary study for the development of reference material using oyster for determination of (137)Cs, (90)Sr and plutonium isotopes.

A new reference material for the determination of (137)Cs, (90)Sr and Pu isotopes ((238)Pu and (239,240)Pu) is being developed using dried oyster matrix by Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS). The oyster was collected from Tongyoung harbour, southern part of Korea and the artificial radionuclides ((137)Cs, (90)Sr, (238)Pu and (239,240)Pu) were spiked into the material. After pretreatment and processing, the material was tested for homogeneity and massic activities were determined by measuring (137)Cs, (90)Sr, (238)Pu and (239,240)Pu. The reference value and extended uncertainty for those isotopes will be reported later.