According to the NRC, how often must survey meters be calibrated?

Survey meters, which are critical instruments in nuclear medicine for measuring ionizing radiation levels, require regular calibration to ensure accurate readings. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) specifies that these survey meters must be calibrated at least annually. This annual calibration helps to maintain the precision of the meters, which is essential for ensuring both the safety of personnel and the proper monitoring of radiation exposure in medical facilities.

Calibration involves adjusting the instrument and verifying its accuracy against a known standard. This process is vital because over time, survey meters can drift from their calibrated settings due to factors such as wear and tear, environmental conditions, or changes in the equipment itself. Therefore, calibrating survey meters annually allows facilities to comply with regulatory standards while ensuring the reliability of radiation monitoring practices.