Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis of 10B and Gd in biological samples at the MEPhI reactor.

Abstract The purpose of the work was to build a prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) facility at the MEPhI reactor for analyzing the content of various elements for NCT. The facility was implemented on a monochromatic neutron beam. Methods of quantitative 10 B and Gd measurement have been developed for pharmacokinetic studies. The facility is capable of measuring 1 μg of 10 B and 10 μg of Gd in biological samples with an error less than 10%. The detection limit of the facility is 0.3 μg of 10 B and 2 μg of Gd. Neutron flux attenuation within biological tissue samples was estimated and a new system for determining the elemental concentration was suggested.