ABSTRACT
As discussed in the previous chapter, a major factor inuencing survey instrument selection is detection sensitivity. e detection sensitivity of an instrument or measurement procedure is given the term minimum detectable concentration (MDC). e value of the MDC for eld survey instruments and laboratory analyses in relation to the DCGLs is necessary, in particular, to assess compliance with the MARSSIM recommendation that detection sensitivities for direct measurements of surface activity and laboratory analyses of soil samples be less than 50% of the appropriate DCGLW. e MDC of eld survey instruments relative to the derived concentration guideline levels is a major factor aecting the planning and design of nal status surveys.
