The quantitative significance of surface-contamination levels determined by different methods was assessed by carrying out measurements using the wipe-assay method and a commercial surface-contamination monitor (Whitlock Vacuum Scintillation Counter (VSC)). The results were compared to the total tritium desorbed from the sample. Simple correlations between these measurements were not found. Laser-assisted desorption methods are currently being investigated to measure total tritium on surfaces. Preliminary results obtained with a Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) are reported. Only water vapor and CO2 were found in the gas released under laser irradiation by mass spectroscopy. Approximately 65–95% of the surface tritium could be desorbed from all metal samples investigated.