All plutonium materials covered in this test method are used in the preparation of nuclear-reactor fuels. In order to be suitable for this purpose, the materials must meet specified criteria for plutonium content. This test method is used to verify the plutonium content.

A primary standard dichromate such as that available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or a dichromate traceable to a primary standard such as New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) plutonium standard, is required for this technique.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of plutonium in unirradiated nuclear-grade plutonium dioxide, uranium-plutonium mixed oxides with uranium (U)/plutonium (Pu) ratios up to 21, plutonium metal, and plutonium nitrate solutions. Optimum quantities of plutonium to measure are 7 to 15 mg.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.