A high-sensitivity multidetector whole-body counter

Abstract

A prototype multidetector shadow-shield whole-body counter is presented to be used as a monitor of internal contamination and as a tool in clinical research. The counter is equipped with 16 NaI(Tl) detectors located in the central region of a shielded tunnel surrounding the subject to be measured. The accuracy of the counting efficacy predictions was tested in a group of adults with various body shapes and sizes using X-ray absorptiometry. The precision of the total body potassium measurements allows the use of the counter in clinical follow-up studies.

Emergency response technical work at Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant: occupational health challenges posed by the nuclear disaster

“…In March, six workers received a high internal exposure of over 200 mSv as measured by a whole-body counter. 7 The maximum estimated exposure per worker was 670.4 mSv. 5 The workers subjected to such exposure may inhale radiation particles due to respirator leakage, or may not have worn respirators because of inaccurate exposure assessments or inadequate emergency operations.…”

“…Table 1 shows the external, internal and total exposure of the workers to radiation from March to May 2011. In March, six workers received a high internal exposure of over 200 mSv as measured by a whole-body counter 7. The maximum estimated exposure per worker was 670.4 mSv 5.…”

Measurement Uncertainties in Whole Body Counting and Radon Progeny

“…The upgraded UIMPL WBC is a shadow-shield counter with a moving bed in a 201-cm-long tunnel made of low activity 10-cm-thick lead bricks (Kalef-Ezra et al 2011). A 60.0-cm-wide and 48.4-cm-high opening through the lead bricks allows for the patient positioned supine on a metallic couch to pass with constant velocity through it (Fig.…”

“…The counter was upgraded in an attempt to improve its performance characteristics and facilitate its clinical use (Kalef-Ezra et al 2011). In particular, basic goals of the upgrading process were the improvement of measurement precision and the reduction of the minimum detectable activity coupled with high counting efficiency and minimal dependence of the efficiency on the activity distribution in the human body.…”

Applications of a Novel Whole Body Counter in Radiation Protection and Human Body Composition Studies

“…A prototype shadow-shield whole body counter was designed, constructed and tested at the University of Ioannina Medical Physics Laboratory (UIMPL) as a direct monitor of internal contamination and as a tool in clinical research [1]. The counter is ___________________________________________ *correspondence to: jkalef@cc.uoi.gr 21st Hellenic Symposium on Nuclear Physics an upgraded version of a counter in use since 1986, that was equipped with two NaI(Tl) detectors [2].…”