A wipe test counter is a device used to measure for possible radioactive contamination in a variety of environments.
[2] A gamma counter is a typical choice for measuring wipe samples for radioactivity as it allows multiple tests to be counted in a largely automated way.
These systems detect radiation using a scintillator and photomultiplier tube and may allow the energy spectrum of a sample to be recorded, which can be used to identify the contaminant.
In the United States the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires wipe testing of sealed sources "periodically" using equipment sensitive down to 185 Becquerels.
[7][8] In Australia licence conditions may require adherence to Australian standard AS2243.4 and ISO 9978 for wipe testing of sealed sources.