Procedure for Conducting a Wipe Test
Equipment
- survey map
- filter paper
- scintillation fluid
- scintillation vials
- a scintillation counter calibrated in units of dpm to detect
the contaminants that may be found in the laboratory
- laboratory coat and gloves
Procedure
- determine locations that you will be wipe testing*
- note areas on the survey map
- using a moistened piece of filter paper wipe approximately 100
square centimeters of the surface
- repeat this process for all locations listed on the map
- place each filter paper in a scintillation vial, add
scintillation fluid and cap
- place scintillation vials in scintillation counter for
analysis according to the units standard operating procedures.
- place printout of results in "Radioactive Wipe Test
Survey Results" binder for review by Radiation Safety Staff
* Locations to check for contamination
- door handle to the laboratory on refrigerator/freezer
- bench tops and desks where contamination should not be found
- floors adjacent to benches where material is used
- fume hood sill
- potentially contaminated equipment
- liquid scintillation counter or gamma counter
- any item or location in the laboratory that should not be
contaminated
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