The Development of a System for Enhanced Radionuclide Detection

Abstract : Frequently, toxicologic processes involve concentrations of biologically active substances so low that to be detected, localized, and quantified they require attachment of appropriate radiolabels and subsequent autoradiography exposure periods that may extend for many months. The major objective of this research is to develop and deliver a system to reduce this long data collection period while maintaining the advantage of spatial resolution inherent in autoradiography. After completing concept validation and after careful testing of three low-light-level camera systems which were submitted by vendors for evaluation, a photon-limited camera and imaging system by Hamamatsu and a programmable image display unit were selected and ordered for purchase. Software programs to distinguish and analyze microstructures and their properties were generated. (jhd)