Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus designed to permit the use of samples of various types and sizes. The apparatus comprises a sample housing fixed to the apparatus and defining a fixed opening adjacent a radiation detection element. Sample containers and sample holders are removably supportable in the sample housing. Sample vials and dry sample containers of different sizes are positionable in said sample holders to provide a sample at a fixed distance from the detection element. Also, a dry sample container and a filter sample holding device usable with the apparatus, are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for quantitatively evaluating radiation emissions of radiolabeled laboratory samples. These radiation emissions frequently include high energy beta and gamma radiation emissions resulting from .sup.32 P isotope decay. High energy beta and gamma radiation is detected by a solid state PIN photodiode and analyzed by a microprocessor to provide an indication of a radiation emission characteristic such as activity expressed in disintegrations per minute (DPM). An indication of sample activity is obtained from a detected sample count rate adjusted by a detector calibration constant which is determined by the microprocessor from a reference radiation emitting sample of known activity and volume. Indications of radiation emission characteristics may be displayed by an alpha-numeric liquid crystal display. Hard copy data may be produced from an expansion module in the form of a printer module adapted to receive data input from the microprocessor.