Measurement and control of dose equivalent to patients undergoing whole-body neutron irradiation for in vivo activation analysis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The total body calcium of patients has been studied by in vivo activation analysis using neutrons derived from a lithium target which is bombarded by a cyclotron-produced proton beam. The induced 49Ca activity is detected using a whole-body counter. An account is given of the methods used to control and measure the dose equivalent delivered in patients. The neutron dose equivalent is calculated from readings taken before and during patient irradiations using a neutron rem counter, a thorium fission counter and a boron- trifluoride detector enclosed in a moderator and absorber assembly. Data are presented showing the variation of neutron dose equivalent with depth in phantoms obtained using a prototype personal dosemeter of wide energy response. Dose equivalents for various parts of the body are given for a typical patient irradiation.