Uncertainty evaluation in gamma spectrometric measurements: Uncertainty propagation versus Monte Carlo simulation

Calculation and reporting of combined measurement uncertainties are important in decision making processes, and a more proper uncertainty estimation can reduce the risk and/or the cost associated with decisions for example after radiological incidents and in free release measurements of radioactive waste. However, sound decisions demand a sound uncertainty estimation. In this work we present the possible consequences when uncertainty propagation is applied to gamma-ray spectrometry measurements involving assumed probability density functions for an efficiency transfer having different metrological quality by comparison with Monte Carlo simulations.