Abstract
Conditions have been established for producing a suitable neutron flux for carrying out sequential neutron activation analyses for total body calcium in living subjects. A cyclotron is used as a neutron source, by bombarding a thick lithium target with 10·2 MeV protons, the resulting neutron spectrum being continuous from 0·1 to about 8·0 MeV, with a peak at 3·5 MeV. This choice of neutron energy avoids serious interfering reactions. A uniform field of fast neutrons large enough to accommodate a patient has been achieved wihtout the adoption of positions impracticable to ill patients; and by suitble moderation of the fast neutrons by external moderators and the body itself, a sufficiently uniform flux of thermal neutrons is created throughout the body. A fast neutron dose of order 1 rem is given to the patients. The reasons for not attmpting to make absolute measurements of calcium content are given, and the method by which changes of calcium content with time can be measured in an individual using a Ca/Na ratio is discussed.
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