On the significance of the measurement evaluation method in decision making: A synthesis of JCGM 101 and JCGM 106 applied to gross alpha and gross beta measurements using LSC

In decision making, e.g. conformity to a specification like a reference value or a requirement, the decision rule applied shall be documented. Furthermore, if the measurement uncertainty is considered in the decision process the associated probability, or risk, that a measurement result is above (or below) a reference value shall be taken into account. In this work it is shown that for gross alpha and gross beta measurements the evaluation method, GUMUF (GUM Uncertainty Framework) or MC (Monte Carlo), may also be important and influence the decisions taken when measurement results are very close to the reference value. Therefore the evaluation method and assumptions of the input quantities may also be important to document. Moreover, decision makers or users of measurement results should be aware of possible differences and/or consequences due to the evaluation method regardless of the decision rule and the choice of evaluation method.