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:
the laboratory analysis. For example, the laboratory’s assigned QC specialist may have the responsibility for preparing and submitting blind samples (blank, duplicate, laboratory control sample, and matrix spike). Blind samples are used primarily as a tool for evaluating the performance of individuals rather than as part of the laboratory QC load. DG-4010, Page 12 Acceptability of QC sample results should be evaluated based on criteria from the QC program, which include specific equations based on METHOD UNCERTAINTY. Chapters 7 and 18 of MARLAP provide guidance on the evaluation of QC samples. Quality control sample results should be tracked, trended, and compared with predetermined ranges of acceptable performance to identify conditions that are in, or may lead to, nonconformance with program specifications. Such conditions should be tracked through the corrective action program. 6.3 Performance Evaluation Program (Interlaboratory Comparison) Participation in an external PE program is an important independent check on the accuracy, possible bias, and precision of some radioanalytical or measurement methods used in a radiological monitoring program. Internal and contract radioanalytical laboratories used in the monitoring program should participate in one or more applicable PE programs that are administered by organizations that have an active measurement assurance (traceability) program with NIST (ANSI N42.22-1995). Chapter 5 of MARLAP recommends incorporating the criteria for a radioanalytical laboratory to participate in a PE program into the statement of work for services. Several external PE programs administered by government agencies or commercial radioactive-source suppliers are available for radionuclides and matrices germane to radiological monitoring programs. The PE program should provide fundamental sample types (e.g., solid, liquid, gas) and radionuclides (e.g., alpha-, beta-, and gamma-emitting nuclides) of interest at the facility. When available,