This document specifies the characteristics of solid, liquid or gas sources of gamma emitting radionuclides used as reference measurement standards for the calibration of gamma-ray spectrometers. These reference measurement standards are traceable to national measurement standards.

This document does not describe the procedures involved in the use of these reference measurement standards for the calibration of gamma-ray spectrometers. Such procedures are specified in ISO 20042 and other documents.

This document specifies recommended reference radiations for the calibration of gamma-ray spectrometers. This document covers, but is not restricted to, gamma emitters which emit photons in the energy range of 60 keV to 1 836 keV. These reference radiations are realized in the form of point sources or adequately extended sources specified in terms of activity which are traceable to national standards.

Liquid standards that are intended to be used for preparing extended standards by the laboratories are also within the scope of this document. Reference materials (RMs) produced in accordance with ISO 17034 are out of scope of this document.