Which device is utilized to detect contamination on people or objects?

The device primarily used to detect contamination on people or objects is the frisker. A frisker is designed to quickly and effectively scan surfaces for radioactive contamination. It operates by using a radiation detector, often a Geiger-Mueller tube, equipped within a portable hand-held unit that allows users to move it across surfaces or around individuals to identify any radioactive particles that may be present.

This kind of direct, surface-level detection is crucial in situations where contamination is suspected, allowing for swift action to be taken to mitigate exposure and ensure safety. It is particularly useful in decontamination efforts or in environments where personnel may have worked with radioactive materials.

Other devices like the Geiger-Mueller counter and scintillator detectors are used for detecting and measuring radiation levels in general but are less suitable for directly scanning surfaces for contamination. Air samplers are focused on collecting airborne particles and measuring contamination in the air rather than directly on surfaces or individuals. Thus, the frisker stands out as the appropriate tool for the specific task of detecting contamination on people or objects.