Whole Body Countings and its Applications in Bio-Medical Sciences

A whole body counter detects a fraction of the gamma radiation emitted rom the radionuclides in the human body. From the observed counting rate and suitable calibration procedures, the amount of activity within the subject can be calculated. In this communication, the early development and the requirements of a multipurpose whole body counter are described. Constructional details and special features of such system installed at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INM AS) are outlined. The various physical and bio-medical investigations carried out at the Institute are described. The results of total body potassium measurements and iron and Vitamin B,a absorption studied are discussed. The other potential bio-medical uses of the system are described