What do duplicate tests evaluate in radon measurement?

Duplicate tests in radon measurement are specifically designed to evaluate precision. Precision refers to the consistency of repeated measurements under the same conditions; it indicates how close the results are to each other when the same sample is tested multiple times. By conducting duplicate tests, technicians can determine whether the readings are stable and reliably reproduce the same radon levels.

In the context of radon measurement, using duplicate tests allows professionals to assess the variability in their results. This is crucial because consistent readings can provide confidence in the data collected, and any significant discrepancy between the duplicate measurements could indicate issues such as equipment malfunction, improper placement of measurement devices, or environmental factors affecting the results.

The other aspects such as accuracy (how close a measurement is to the true value), bias (systematic error that causes results to deviate from the true value), and functionality (how well the measurement device operates) do not directly relate to the purpose of duplicate testing, which focuses on ensuring the reliability and consistency of measurements.