- Currently, when the deliveries arrive we begin by sorting the packages by device types. At the same time we identify testing projects (versus singles/doubles), since the project data sheets need more scrutiny and time.
- Once sorted, the devices are logged, which includes an initial data entry step. That is when the system knows that a device is in the building.
- While all the sorting is going on, the lab techs are going through daily start up procedures to ensure the canister equipment is functioning properly and that the previous day’s LS vials ran properly overnight. For the canister system, this means that running the source canisters, blanks etc. If any of the LS vials or machines had issues, the vials yet to run are queued for counting immediately.
- Once devices are logged in, the devices and data sheets are delivered to the lab techs. The lab techs perform additional data entry and queue the devices for analysis. LS devices have to be taken to a fume hood for elution, where we inject the scintillation cocktail into each vial. The canister counting is normally counted the same day of arrival when we receive them by 11:00 AM Eastern. The vial device racks are placed into the LS counters and set for automatic counting, which cannot begin until 12 hours have elapsed since elution. Thus, the overnight counting.
- The counting data is batched and added to the LIMS (computer system), which starts the calculation process. The radon concentrations are merged with the test location data and the reports are built. A reporting QC step is done to review them for accuracy and completeness and queued for delivery. The reports are batched and released for email/website broadcasts.
The lab is constantly going through efficiency improvements on all of the device log-in procedures. Currently the emphasis is to use more barcode reading, photographing of devices and scanning of data sheets. Electronic data submission processes will also be improved and encouraged.
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