Research Whole Body Counting

Size Dependency

Using the Bureau of Radiation and Medical Devices* (BRMD) BOttle Manikin ABsorption Phantoms (BOMAB) phantom family these parameters can be investigated on the Canadian Whole Body Counting (WBC) systems during the intercomparison. This information is then used to try to minimize the size dependency of a WBC

Monte Carlo Calculations

Monte Carlo N Particle (MCNP) is being used to aid phantom design, calibration-geometry dependence and the effect of different detector systems. One application finished using this technique was the estimation of the knee position on the efficiency curve for the WBC. Other work has included the investigation of:

1. simulation of a scanning detector whole body counter and optimization of scan length,
2. calibration of a portable whole body counter,
3. investigation of geometry effects in a FastScan WBC,
4. investigation of geometry effects in a W-chair WBC.

Standing BOMAB Phantoms

Many Canadian facilities are obtaining whole body counters that measure the subject standing. The HML has devised a stand for the BOMAB phantoms that allows them to remain upright. The design has minimized the material in front of the phantom that could attenuate the photons.

Calibration Curves

A single function has been developed that relates counting efficiency to photon energy and subject size.

* Now the Radiation Protection Bureau