What do blanks measure in radon testing?

Blanks in radon testing are used primarily to measure the measurement background. This involves understanding any radon levels that are present in the environment that may affect the overall readings of the radon testing device. When blanks are utilized, they serve as a baseline to identify if there is any measurable radon present in the testing atmosphere that is not attributable to the sample being evaluated.

By including blanks in the testing process, technicians can distinguish between the actual readings taken from the samples and any background interference that could lead to misleading results. This ensures that the measured radon levels accurately reflect the specific environment being tested rather than noise or variations due to existing radon in the surrounding air. Thus, it plays a crucial role in improving the reliability and validity of the test results.

Calibration error, test precision, and accuracy of measurement are more related to the testing equipment's performance and function but do not specifically pertain to the role of blanks in measuring background levels of radon. Understanding the function of blanks helps ensure that radon measurements are as accurate as possible, accounting for any external variables that might skew results.