Whole body countings and its applications in biomedical sciences

A whole body counter detects a fraction of the gamma radiation emitted from 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 (INMAS) are outlined. The various physical and bio-medical investigations are carried out at the institute are described. The results of total body potassium measurements and iron and Vitamin B12 absorption studies are discussed. The other potential bio-medical uses of the system are described. (author)