The study of in vivo quantification of aluminum (Al) in human bone with a compact DD generator-based neutron activation analysis (NAA) system

• Published in: Physiological measurement Vol. 37; no. 5; pp. 649 - 660
• Main Authors: Byrne, Patrick, Mostafaei, Farshad, Liu, Yingzi, Blake, Scott P, Koltick, David, Nie, Linda H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England IOP Publishing 01.05.2016
• Subjects: aluminum; Aluminum - analysis; Bone and Bones - chemistry; Bone and Bones - diagnostic imaging; Calibration; Computer Simulation; Equipment Design; Feasibility Studies; Gamma Rays; Germanium; Humans; Monte Carlo Method; neutron activation analysis; Neutron Activation Analysis - instrumentation; Neutron Activation Analysis - methods; neutron generator; Phantoms, Imaging; Radiation Dosage; Water
• ISSN: 0967-3334; 1361-6579
• DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/37/5/649

The feasibility and methodology of using a compact DD generator-based neutron activation analysis system to measure aluminum in hand bone has been investigated. Monte Carlo simulations were used to simulate the moderator, reflector, and shielding assembly and to estimate the radiation dose. A high purity germanium (HPGe) detector was used to detect the Al gamma ray signals. The minimum detectable limit (MDL) was found to be 11.13 μg g−1 dry bone (ppm). An additional HPGe detector would improve the MDL by a factor of 1.4, to 7.9 ppm. The equivalent dose delivered to the irradiated hand was calculated by Monte Carlo to be 11.9 mSv. In vivo bone aluminum measurement with the DD generator was found to be feasible among general population with an acceptable dose to the subject.