Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: a5cfec96-8785-464b-ada8-dc4424b90606
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Quality Assurance for Radiological Monitoring Programs
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0630/ML063060429.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.15
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
appropriate for SURVEYS. In general, the DQO process may be used together with specific statistical designs (EPA QA/G-9S-2006) to optimize the sampling. Continuous sampling or integrated measurements may be used to mitigate temporal variability. Part 1, Sections II-11 and II-12, of ASME NQA-1-1994 discuss test control and control of measuring and test equipment. Part II, Subpart 2.20, of ASME NQA-1-1994 discusses QA standards for subsurface investigations for nuclear power plants. 6. Quality Control in the Radioanalytical Laboratory The output of the directed planning process includes DQOs that encompass both sampling and analysis activities for a project or program. From the DQOs, a set of MQOs are developed for radioanalytical measurements (see MARLAP, Chapter 3). In a performance-based approach, MQOs are critical criteria used for the selection and validation of analytical methods and protocols (see Section 8 below) and subsequently form the basis for the ongoing and final evaluation of the analytical data. The type, frequency of, and evaluation criteria for QC samples are developed during the directed planning process and are incorporated into ANALYTICAL PROTOCOL SPECIFICATIONS (APSs) for a project (MARLAP, Chapter 3). Chapter 18 of MARLAP provides guidance on monitoring key laboratory PERFORMANCE INDICATORS to determine whether a laboratory’s measurement processes are in control. The chapter also provides information on likely causes of excursions for selected laboratory performance indicators, such as chemical yield, instrument background, and QC samples. Appendix C to MARLAP provides the rationale and guidance for developing MQOs for select method performance characteristics and gives guidance on developing criteria for QC samples. Performance criteria for radioanalytical measurements should be selected to provide a management tool for tracking and trending performance and to identify precursors to nonconforming conditions. Laboratories should satisfy