A screening-analysis sample preparation standard operating procedure (SOP) will be presented. It provides a means for converting a quantitative analytical method into a screening method with increased sample throughput. It is available as an add-on to methods that are already used in the laboratory. It will likely be most useful for determining beta- and alpha-emitting radionuclides, which require extensive analysis time.Multiple samples are combined into a composite, the composite is analyzed, and results are evaluated according to a screening level based on a regulatory level. Using this SOP, quantitative levels are not obtained for individual samples but a result below the screening level will show that all samples in the composite are below regulatory limits. Should a result be above the screening level, findings would be considered inconclusive. In this case, reserve test portions for each sample in the composite would be analyzed using the original quantitative method.

SOP for food sample preparation - application for radiological screening analyses

245th National Meeting (2013)

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