Assessment of gamma ray scattering for the characterisation of biological material

Abstract

Reports in vitro measurements of the spectrum and ratio of intensities of gamma -rays scattered elastically and inelastically by saline solutions of various compositions and two extracted biological materials-breast cyst fluid and rats' livers. The object was to explore the sensitivity of the method in relationship to two clinical problems: the first, that of differentiating between normal and abnormal body fluids (e.g., saline and breast cyst), and the second, that of monitoring the degradation of the liver after prolonged absorption of phenobarbitone. The results presented indicate the potential sensitivity of the method and, though limited, emphasise the need for extensive systematic work.