Which portion of data can be discarded in a continuous monitor report?

In the context of radon measurements using continuous monitors, it is standard practice to discard the first few hours of data to ensure that the readings reflect the most accurate and stable conditions. The rationale behind discarding the initial portion of data, specifically the first four hours, is that this period may include fluctuations and inaccuracies due to factors such as equipment calibration, environmental conditions, or initial stabilization of the monitor itself.

During the early hours of the monitoring period, the sensor is still reaching steady-state conditions, and transient readings may not represent the true radon levels within the environment. By eliminating this initial data, the final report will be based on a dataset that is more reliable, thereby improving the overall quality and accuracy of the radon measurement results.

It's also important to note that while some continuous monitor reports may have guidelines for different durations of data that can be discarded, the specific decision to discard four hours has become an accepted practice in many protocols. This ensures consistency in data interpretation and reliability across different measurement scenarios.