[en] Counting of radioactive sources on the surface of the vacuum container of a Ge(Li) detector may lead to errors because of large efficiency gradients. In order to explore the radial dimension of this problem, several point sources were stepped across in contact with the cap of several detectors, and curves of absolute efficiency against radius were measured. The insensitive core of an open-end coaxial detector reduced the central point-source efficiency at 122 keV at the cap to 20% less than a comparable closed-end detector. In compensation, however, there was a reduction in the radial efficiency gradient. The radial efficiency gradient was approximately proportional to the radius, with the central flattening for the open-end detector superimposed on the trend. Open-end detectors are favoured over closed-end coaxial ones for the most accurate work, although the differences in the two configurations are not marked. Differences are greatest for low energy and close geometry. (T.G.)