What type of survey instrument is rarely used in labs for contamination identification?

Scintillation survey instruments are less commonly employed in laboratories for contamination identification because they are typically more specialized and are often used in specific applications where high sensitivity to certain types of radiation is needed, such as detecting low levels of alpha radiation or specific isotopes. These instruments operate using a scintillating material that emits light (scintillation) when struck by radiation, which is then converted into an electrical signal for measurement.

In contrast, Geiger-Muller instruments and ionization chamber survey instruments are more versatile and are commonly used for general contamination surveys because they can effectively detect a broad range of radiation types and are user-friendly. Portable dosimeters are generally employed for measuring radiation exposure rather than specific contamination levels, making them suitable for personal monitoring in a variety of environments.

Overall, while scintillation survey instruments play a vital role in certain contexts, their specialized application makes them relatively uncommon for the general purpose of contamination identification in most laboratory settings.