1.1''This practice covers consensus criteria for the setup, calibration, and quality control of nuclear instruments. Setup establishes the operating parameters of the instrument'''for example, voltage or discriminator settings. Calibrations determine the instrument'''s response characteristics'''for example, its counting efficiency or gain. Quality control ensures that the performance of the instrument remains acceptable for its intended use and consistent with the performance at the time of calibration.

1.2''This practice addresses four of the most commonly used types of nuclear counting instruments: alpha-particle spectrometer, gamma-ray spectrometer, gas proportional counter, and liquid scintillation counter.

1.3''The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4''This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5''This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.