ABSTRACT
The –rst steps in the interdiction of a sample of radioactive material take place in the –eld, far from the controlled environment of aradiochemical forensic facility. The –eld analyst will have but limited instrumentation to help make amaterial identi–cation,discover the level of hazard associated with it, and package it for safe and reliable delivery to the laboratory or other disposition site. Instruments for the determination of radiation in the –eld must be easy to use, rugged, and portable. These instruments have two primary purposes: protection of personnel and initial identi–cation and rough characterization of the material.
