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1.1 This guide describes data analysis for efficiency calibrations of nuclear instruments using radioactive sources. It includes the calculation of the calibration parameters, evaluation and use of their uncertainties and covariances, and testing of the calibration data for outliers and overall lack of fit. It also provides guidelines for summarizing and reporting the results of a calibration.

1.2 The instrument counting efficiency is assumed to be independent of the radiation emission rate.

1.3 Guidance is provided for both single-point calibrations and calibration curves.

1.4 The guidance presumes the existence of measurement uncertainty models to provide statistical weighting factors for the calibration data.

1.5 This guide does not cover calibrations involving physically-based computer simulations.

1.6 The system of units for this guide is not specified. Dimensional quantities in the guide are presented only as illustrations of calculation methods. The examples are not binding on products or test methods treated.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 The mathematical and statistical techniques described in this guide support implementation of the calibration requirements of Practice D7282 and the guidance for uncertainty analysis given in Guide D8293. The guidance is intended for use either by qualified specialists at a radioanalytical laboratory or by developers of software for calibration of nuclear instruments.

5.2 Applications for single-point calibrations might include:

5.3 Applications for calibration curves determined by LLS might include:

5.4 Applications for calibration curves determined by NLLS might include:

5.5 Although this guide focuses on efficiency calibrations for nuclear instruments, the same general principles and paradigms should apply to other types of calibrations and to other instruments, as long as there are valid uncertainty models for the calibration data.