Scintillomicroscope for Radioactive Tracer Detection

Abstract

An image intensifier‐microscope system is described that is capable of viewing the spatial distribution of weak radioactive tracer deposits in biological specimens. The radioactive decay products are located by means of the light they emit from thin scintillators placed over the specimen. Comparisons are made with conventional autoradiographic techniques. An analysis is given of the sensitivity of the system. Results obtained from the application of the technique to ¹⁴C detection in Schistosoma mansoni are presented and discussed.