A feasibility study of in vivo 14-MeV neutron activation analysis using the associated particle technique.

The feasibility of using the time correlated associated particle technique for in vivo 14-MeV neutron activation analysis has been investigated. Gamma rays following neutron inelastic scattering with nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen have been measured with a 12.5 x 10-cm NaI (T1) detector. The results have been scaled to a proposed facility comprising four such detectors past which the subject would be scanned. Based on counting statistics, the precision of estimation of these elements has been determined to be 2.1%, 1.0%, and 1.1%, respectively, for experimental measurements on a sample containing physiological concentrations of the major body elements. The average body dose level would be restricted to 0.3 mSv.