Whole-Body Counter for Neutron Activation Analysis

For the measurement of total-body calcium, sodium, chlorine, nitrogen and phosphorus by in-vivo neutron activation analysis, there are two basic requirements. First, it is necessary to achieve a uniform neutron flux through the human subject. It is also necessary to quantitatively measure the induced radionuclides in the body. The Brookhaven 54-detector whole-body counter with its on-line computer satisfies this latte requirement by providing an absolute measure of the induced activity in the subject, independent of its location in the body and the size of the body itself. The application of this whole-body counter in the in-vivo measurement of total body calcium, sodium, chlorine, nitrogen and phosphorus is described.