Particle body neutron activation analysis in vivo: A new approach to the investigation of metabolic bone disease

Abstract

A new method of detecting changes in the calcium content of a hand by neutron activation analysis is described. A 25 Ci 241Am-Be source, positioned within a perspex tube, was used to provide the neutron flux. The fast neutrons were slowed by water moderation and the bones of a hand which gripped the tube were exposed to the maximum thermal neutron flux. The 3.1 MeV gamma -radiation from the activated 49Ca was detected by two large NaI(Tl) crystals. The mean coefficient of variation derived from repeated activation of anatomical specimens, was 5.0%.