Preliminary studies on combining the K and L XRF methods for in vivo bone lead measurement

Lead is a toxic material that invokes irreversible neurological problems. O nce ingested, lead accumulates in the bones. To study detailed lead poisoni ng effects it is essential to have an in vivo bone lead measurement tool wi th a small minimum detectable concentration (MDC). Both K- and L-based XRF methods for the tibia bone have been suggested and developed in the past an d are presently in use. In this work a combined K and L XRF method for the tibia bone is proposed. The proposed system consists of a Cd-109 point sour ce and Ge and Si(Li) detectors for optimum detection of the K and L X-rays, respectively. Experimental and Monte Carlo simulated results are given her e for a prototype combined K and L XRF system. This system promises to yiel d a better MDC and the possibility of obtaining information on the near-sur face bone lead content as well as the average lead content throughout the b one. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.