Online Tool for Calculating A Priori Scan Minimum Detectable Concentrations for Common Soil and Structural Surface Detectors

Calculating scan minimum detectable concentration (MDC) values using the method in NUREG-1507 can be difficult, often requiring expert knowledge and expensive software. Because of this, many projects rely on example MDC values from NUREG-1507 or MARSSIM. However, these values are general and may not match specific project needs, detectors, or conditions. They also focus only on sodium iodide (NaI) detectors used for gamma radiation in soil, and do not include alpha or beta radiation on surfaces like walls or floors. To help solve these problems, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) developed a free online tool that follows the updated NUREG-1507 guidance and includes MDC calculations for a wider range of detectors and radiation types. This makes it easier for planners to create more accurate and useful survey plans.