
LS 6000 Scintillation System User’s Manual
PN 247971-F
4-11
Setting Up User Programs
Editing A User Program
4
Counting Precision
Counting to a preset counting precision is used so all results have the same precision,
eliminating one source of variation in the experiment. The value entered for counting
precision establishes the 95% confidence level for the count (the 2 sigma statistical value). A
value of 2.00% indicates that in 95 out of 100 cases, the counts per minute obtained are
within 2% of the mean, and in the remaining 5 cases may be outside that 2%. This results
from the randomness of the radioactive decay process, and not from any variation within the
instrument.
The relationship between counting precision/total counts is:
When sufficient counts have been accumulated to yield the counting precision specified,
counting of that sample is terminated even if the specified counting time has not been
satisfied. For dual and triple label, the counting precision must be reached for all isotopes
selected before the count is terminated. If the counting time is reached before obtaining the
specified counting precision, counting is terminated. The printout shows the value of
counting precision achieved.
To change the setting, highlight “Counting Precision” and press SELECT. The Main Editing
Window presents prompts to enter the counting precision for each isotope selected. Enter the
desired counting precision for each isotope. A counting precision of “0” results in counting to
the count time entered. Press PREVIOUS MENU to return to the Review/Edit Menu shown in
Figure 4.4.
Background/Blank Subtraction
Two methods are available for subtracting values from the unknown samples being counted;
background subtraction or counting blanks. A separate background and/or blank value may
be subtracted for each isotope.
A background is a value obtained from a count performed in advance. For correct results, the
background must be counted with the same User Program used to count the samples. Since
the background is counted separately, it can be counted for a long time to obtain an accurate
value. The background cpm and the background counting precision are then entered
manually into the User Program. These values are used to accurately correct each sample
value, including the blanks, for contributions from background.
Counting Precision,% Total Counts
20 100
15 177
10 400
51,600
2 10,000
1 40,000
0.5 160,000
0.2 1,000,000
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