A Simple Method for Measuring Iron Absorption Using a Scintiscanner for Whole-body Counting

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Abstract
Existing methods for measuring iron absorption all have certain disadvantages. Those involving faecal collection present difficulties for both patient and investigator in ensuring a complete collection of specimens over a period of up to two weeks. The double isotope technique using 55Fe and 59Fe involves a lengthy processing of blood samples for the efficient counting of 55Fe and the use of special apparatus for this purpose (Eakins and Brown, 1966). Until recently the measurement of iron absorption by whole-body counting has had the disadvantage that existing apparatus for this purpose has been large, cumbersome and expensive. It has usually been installed in specially constructed rooms shielded against extraneous radiation. The high cost of these conventional whole-body counters is due to the fact that they are designed to detect and assay a large number of radioactive materials simultaneously and the associated electronic equipment therefore usually includes a multichannel analyser. Few hospitals or medical schools have been able to afford such apparatus.