The minimum detectable concentration is defined as the smallest concentration of radioactivity in a sample that can be detected with a 5% probability of erroneously detecting radioactivity, when in fact none was present (Type I error) and also, a 5% probability of not detecting radioactivity, when in fact it is present (Type II error).Often used interchangeably with Minimum Detectable Concentration, since the difference between the two terms is only one of units conversion.

What is the Minimum Detectable Concentration (MDC)?

The minimum detectable concentration is the minimum detectable activity measured in concentration units.  Often used interchangeably with Minimum Detectable Activity.

DOE Order 5400.5, Radiation Protection of the Public and Environment, establishes guidelines for concentrations of radionuclides in air emissions.  These guidelines, referred to as derived concentration guide values, are concentrations of radionuclides that, under conditions of continuous exposure for one year by one exposure mode (e.g., inhalation, ingestion) would result in a dose of 100 mrem to the public.  These derived concentration guide values are not limits, but serve as reference values to assist in evaluating the radiological air particulate data. 

The MCL is a standard established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Safe Drinking Water Act. It represents an acceptable level of a chemical under specified conditions that ensures the safety of a public drinking water supply. 

What is a t-Test?  

A t-Test is a statistical tool that is used to determine whether the means of two samples are different or not.   One starts with the hypothesis that the two numbers are the same.  If the t-Test returns a p-value of more than .05, then the hypothesis is accepted, and the sets of numbers can be considered the same; otherwise, the sets of numbers are considered to be different.

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