
LS 6000 Scintillation System User’s Manual
PN 247971-F
7-7
How Sample Preparation Affects Results
Other Factors That May Affect Accurate Results
7
Background
The background in the Wide window should be less than 60 CPM. The background in an LS
counter is influenced by the noise within the system (phototubes, electronics), naturally
occurring radioactivity, and cosmic rays. The background also varies with the size and type of
vial (plastic has lower back-ground than glass), and the altitude (about a 7% increase in
background for each 1000 feet above sea level).
7.6 Other Factors That May Affect Accurate Results
Contamination
High backgrounds are often the result of radioactive contamination of the instrument
(sample changer, elevator, counting chamber) as a result of a spill, leaking vials, improperly
closed vials, evaporation of radioisotopes, or contamination on the outside of the vials.
High background may also result from a radioactive source stored in the vicinity of the
instrument. If this is suspected, then swab tests in and near the instrument, and a Geiger
counter survey of the area, should be performed. The radiation safety officer at your facility
should be contacted for further advice on these procedures.
Noise
If repeated counts of a background reference standard yield results that vary beyond the
appropriate statistical limits, the problem may be due to some form of noise. This may be
occurring in one of three ways: generated within the system;
entering through the AC power line; or radiated from some source within the vicinity.
Powerful RF transmission stations, even at some distance, can cause interference with
instrument operation. However, this situation, as well as problems due to AC line noise, is
fairly easy to detect and correct.
Good electrical grounding is important with these instruments, and an inadequate ground
connection may give rise to instrument noise. When an instrument that has been operating
properly becomes noisy, the cause may be an increase in the noise rate of the photomultiplier
tubes.
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