Evaluation of uncertainties in 90Sr-body-burdens obtained by whole-body count: application of Bayes' rule to derive detection limits by analysis of a posteriori data.

ABSTRACT

A whole body counter (WBC) designed to measure bremsstrahlung from 90Y, the short-lived daughter of 90Sr, has been used since 1974 to measure 90Sr-body burdens in residents along the Techa River, which was contaminated by releases from the Mayak Production Association. Bayes' rule has been applied to the a posteriori WBC data in order to derive the uncertainties associated with the data The lower limit of reliable detection is 2.0 kBq and the uncertainty of routine measurements is 1.6 kBq.