Volunteer undergoing a total body nitrogen scan

The nitrogen measurement on the prompt gamma neutron activation system takes 30 minutes to complete. (The nitrogen signal is weaker than some of the other gamma signals measured in the Bodycomp Lab; therefore, a longer scanning time is required.) Before the scan begins, a series of anthropometric body measurements are taken: chest, arm, waist, and leg widths and thicknesses. These measurements are used to adjust the nitrogen scan data for a subject's size and shape.

The prompt gamma scan requires the subject to lie fairly still in the supine position. Three separate body sections (legs, waist, chest) are measured for 10 minutes each. The scan can be interrupted between these sections if needed, then continued with the following section.

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[Prompt gamma technique] ]theory] [process] [schematic]
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