title: Detecting removable surface contamination.
abstract: Although surveying for radioactive contamination by wiping surfaces is the norm, this practice can be highly variable and may be inefficient for detecting low-energy beta emitters. Relying on wipe testing may likewise be an inefficient use of personnel and may seriously underrepresent the amount of contamination present. In general practice, it is better to clean and, where applicable, renew surfaces regularly as part of standard operating protocols and work practices.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory Safety, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Linins
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Gershey
mesh_terms: D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D011848:Radioactive Pollutants