What kind of readings can an XRF analyzer produce?

An XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzer provides readings that indicate the presence of lead and other elements in a material. The readings can identify whether lead is present in a sample by producing positive or negative results. A positive reading indicates that lead is detected above a certain threshold, while a negative reading indicates that no lead is detected or that its concentration is below the threshold. Additionally, situations may arise where the results are inconclusive; for instance, this can occur if the presence of lead is too close to the detection limit or if there are interferences from other materials.

Being able to differentiate between positive, negative, and inconclusive results is critical in lead inspection, as these readings directly inform the next steps, such as whether remediation is needed or if further testing is required. This nuanced understanding allows inspectors to make informed decisions based on the readings provided by the XRF analyzer.