In vivoneutron activation assembly design for quantification of trace elements using MCNP

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Trace and essential elements are vital for human health, but abnormal levels are linked to diseases like manganism.
• Accurate in vivo measurement of elemental uptake and storage is crucial for studying elemental intake and health outcomes.
• Neutron activation analysis (NAA) is a potential technology for in vivo trace element measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and optimize a portable deuterium-deuterium neutron generator-based irradiation assembly for in vivo NAA.
• To achieve a low detection limit for trace elements in vivo with an acceptable radiation dose.
• To utilize Monte Carlo simulations for system design and optimization.

Main Methods:

• Monte Carlo simulations were employed to design and optimize the irradiation assembly.
• The assembly incorporates a moderator, fast neutron filter, reflector, and shielding.
• Human hand phantoms doped with manganese (Mn) and potassium (K) were used for sensitivity and detection limit determination.

Main Results:

• The system achieved a calculated detection limit of 0.16 μg Mn/g dry bone for manganese and 17 ppm for potassium.
• The equivalent dose to the hand was 36 mSv for a 10-minute irradiation.
• The optimized system demonstrates enhanced sensitivity for in vivo trace element detection.

Conclusions:

• The developed portable NAA system is a sensitive tool for in vivo trace element detection.
• This technology can significantly contribute to research on elemental intake and its association with human health outcomes.
• Further advancements in in vivo NAA can improve disease diagnosis and monitoring related to elemental imbalances.