Instruments for Measuring Internal Exposure
An instrument for measuring γ-rays emitted from the whole body, called a whole-body counter, is used to directly measure internal radioactivity. Whole-body counters have several types, including a stand-up type, bed type, and chair type.
Since radioactive cesium is distributed throughout the body, a whole-body counter is used to measure its amount within the body. If internal exposure by radioactive iodine is suspected, a thyroid monitor is used, as iodine accumulates in the thyroid. A radiation detector is applied to the part of the neck where the thyroid gland is situated to measure γ-rays emitted from there.
The time required for measurement is 1 to 5 minutes for simplified whole-body counters, 10 to 30 minutes for precision whole-body counters, and 2 to 5 minutes for thyroid monitors.
- Included in this reference material on March 31, 2013
- Updated on February 28, 2018