In vivo elemental analysis by counting neutron-induced gamma rays for medical and biological applications

Joseph J. Kehayias; Ruimei Ma; Hong Zhuang; Robert Moore; Lisa Dowling

doi:10.1117/12.204195

3 March 1995 In vivo elemental analysis by counting neutron-induced gamma rays for medical and biological applications

Joseph J. Kehayias, Ruimei Ma, Hong Zhuang, Robert Moore, Lisa Dowling

Proceedings Volume 2339, International Conference on Neutrons and Their Applications; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.204195
Event: 4th International Conference on Applications of Nuclear Techniques: Neutrons and their Applications, 1994, Crete, Greece

Abstract

Non-invasive in vivo elemental analysis is a technique used to assess human body composition which is indicative of nutritional status and health condition. The in vivo measurement of the body's major elements is used for a variety of medical studies requiring the determination of the body's compartments (protein, fat, water, bone). Whole body gamma-ray counters, consisting of Nal(Tl) crystal detectors in a shielded room, are used for measuring in vivo the body's Ca, Cl, Na and P by delayed neutron activation analysis. Thermal neutrons from a moderated ²³⁸Pu-Be source are used for the measurement of total body nitrogen (and thus protein) and chlorine at low radiation exposure (0.80 mSv). The resulting high energy prompt gamma-rays from nitrogen (10.83 MeV) and chlorine (6.11 MeV) are detected simultaneously with the irradiation. Body fat (the main energy store) and fat distribution (which relates to risk for cardiovascular disease) are measured by detecting C and O in vivo through fast neutron inelastic scattering. A small sealed D-T neutron generator is used for the pulsed (4 - 8 KHz) production of fast neutrons. Carbon and oxygen are detected by counting the 4.44 and 6.13 MeV gamma-rays resulting from the inelastic scattering of the fast neutrons from the ¹²C and ¹⁶O nuclei, respectively. One use of this method is the systematic study of the mechanisms driving the age-associated depletion of the metabolizing, oxygen-consuming cellular compartment of the body. The understanding of this catabolism may suggest ways to maintain lean tissue and thus to preserve quality of life for the very old.

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Joseph J. Kehayias, Ruimei Ma, Hong Zhuang, Robert Moore, and Lisa Dowling "In vivo elemental analysis by counting neutron-induced gamma rays for medical and biological applications", Proc. SPIE 2339, International Conference on Neutrons and Their Applications, (3 March 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.204195

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KEYWORDS

Gamma radiation

Sensors

In vivo imaging

Nitrogen

Oxygen

Chlorine

Proteins

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