Equipment design issues for the in vivo X-ray fluorescence analysis of bone lead

Several groups have reported the development of systems, based on the principle of X-ray fluorescence, for the in vivo measurement of bone lead concentrations. These systems have used the detection of either the characteristic L or K X-rays resulting from excitation by a suitable photon source. This paper examines design issues related to the development of these systems. These design issues are, in most instances, a result of consideration of the physical principles involved, and hence there are many features common to the systems developed by the individual groups. Design issues discussed in this paper include the selection of the site for measurement, source-sample-detector configuration, and collimation. Specific examples from published work are used to demonstrate the relevant features.