Analytical Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay 400 085 Analytical data by instrumental neutron activation analysis are usually accepted on the basis of good counting statistics. These measurements are expected to be made on signals which are higher than the limits of quantitation, properly computed as suggested by Currie. In paired observations, as in INAA, the limits of detection and quantitation, as well as the related standard deviations are related to the period for

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... ch the spectral background is counted. There exists therefore, a risk of acceptance of results on signals of poor signal to-background (S/B) ratios. Hence the need to have an Independent criterion on the S/B ratio which assures the quality of data.