A clinical instrument for multi-element in vivo analysis by prompt, delayed and cyclic neutron activation using252Cf

摘要: The design and construction of a versatile clinical instrument for multi-element in vivo neutron activation analysis major minor body elements is described. A 200 mu g (4 GBq) 252Cf source stored below ground level pneumatically propelled to one two irradiation ports. These deliver collimated beams fast neutrons either localised volume such as the liver or kidney, across width patient head-to-toe scanning whole-body measurement. control system allows selection continuous cyclic mode activation. intended primarily measurement, by prompt-gamma technique total partial calcium, nitrogen cadmium. potential determination these three has been established. Phantom results suggest that calcium can be measured with precision +or-2.6% (CV) an average skin dose equivalent 6.4 mSv; +or-2.0% less than 0.4 detection limit (2 SD background) 2.4 mg cadmium kidney obtained radiation 3 mSv (QF=10). suitability this measurement other also discussed.