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Radiological Smears: Smear Wipes for Contamination Testing
What Are Radiological Smears? A Guide to Smear Wipes for Contamination Testing
Radiological smears—also called smear wipes, swipe samples, wipe-test smears, or contamination wipes—are used to collect removable radioactive contamination from surfaces. For health physics and radiation-protection teams, the quality and consistency of the sampling medium can directly affect how confidently survey results are interpreted.
Smear testing is common in nuclear power plants, Department of Energy facilities, research laboratories, naval shipyards, hospitals, and decommissioning projects. Although the terminology varies by facility, the objective is the same: collect a representative surface sample that can be counted using the facility’s approved instrumentation and procedure.
This guide explains what radiological smears are, how they are used, and how to choose which cotton smear configuration is right for you.
How Radiological Smear Wipes Support Contamination Control
A direct instrument survey can identify radiation at a location, but a smear or swipe sample is specifically used to evaluate removable surface contamination. A technician wipes a defined area using the site’s approved technique, keeps samples separated to reduce cross-contamination, and analyzes each sample with suitable counting equipment.
Because survey procedures, wiped areas, counting methods, and action levels vary, personnel should always follow their facility’s radiation-protection program and applicable requirements.
What Makes a Good Contamination-Testing Smear?
A dependable smear wipe should support repeatable sampling and straightforward handling from collection through counting. Important selection considerations include:
- Consistent material and dimensions: uniform sampling media help reduce unnecessary variation between samples.
- Surface contact: the wipe should remain manageable while passing over the surfaces included in the survey.
- Clean handling: record folders and separated samples help technicians document locations and limit cross-contamination.
- Counting compatibility: the material and configuration must fit the facility’s approved sample preparation and counting method.
- Application requirements: surface condition, radionuclides of concern, site procedures, and whether dry or moistened sampling is specified can influence the right choice.
Cotton Smears
Cotton twill smears are widely used for routine radiological surveys. G/O Corp’s cotton options use heavy-duty 8.5-ounce, 100% cotton twill and are designed to stay flat during use. Configurations are available with record folders, as piggyback smears, or as cotton discs without folders.
Available G/O Corp Smear Configurations
- GJ1130-250 and GJ1130-500: cotton twill smears with record folders, packaged 250 or 500 per box.
- GJ1302-500: cotton twill piggyback smears with record folders, 500 per box.
- GJ1075 DISC 500: cotton twill discs without paper folders, 500 per bag.
Selecting the best configuration begins with the written survey procedure. Confirm the required smear material, dimensions, packaging, documentation method, and compatibility with the counting system before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiological Smears
What is a radiological smear?
A radiological smear is an absorbent sampling medium wiped across a surface to collect removable radioactive contamination. The collected sample is then analyzed using equipment and procedures appropriate to the radionuclides and the facility’s radiation-protection program.
Are smears, smear wipes, swipes, and wipe tests the same thing?
These terms are commonly used for the same general surface-sampling method. A facility may call the sampling medium a smear, swipe, wipe, smear wipe, or wipe-test sample. The exact material and procedure should be verified before ordering.
What are cotton smears used for?
Cotton smears are used to collect removable contamination during routine surveys, outage work, laboratory monitoring, equipment release surveys, and decommissioning activities. Their suitability depends on the approved procedure and counting method.
Why use smears with record folders?
A record folder provides space to identify the sample and survey location while helping keep individual smears separated during handling and transport. This supports traceability and helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Can a smear test detect fixed radioactive contamination?
A smear test is intended to collect contamination that transfers from a surface to the sampling medium. Fixed contamination that does not transfer may require direct survey methods. Follow the facility’s approved survey procedure when determining which measurements are required.
Where can I order radiological smears?
G/O Corp offers cotton twill radiological smears in multiple package sizes and configurations. View available smear wipes and request a quote, or call 800-933-8501 for assistance selecting the appropriate option.
Need help matching a smear to your procedure? Contact G/O Corp with the required material, configuration, package quantity, and counting application.
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