Abstract
Consideration of the nuclear and physical properties of 252Cf, which is spontaneously fissile, suggests that it is a very suitable radioisotopic source of neutrons for partial body i n vivo activation analysis. A facility is described, which has been developed for use in the clinical environment, and is both simple in construction and operation and economical. The performance in the measurement of intrathyroidal iodine and of calcium in various bones, including the vertebrae, is evaluated with respect to uniformity of activation, sensitivity, reproducibility (precision) and dosimetry. The findings suggest that this new technique will be suitable for clinical measurements in the hospital.