Nuclear-based techniques for the in vivo study of human body composition

A variety of nuclear-based techniques for the in vivo study of human body decomposition is now available for clinical diagnosis and research, and the number of centres where such work is performed is likely to grow substantially in the next few years. Their most important applications at present are in the measurement of bone mineral mass (calcium), body protein (nitrogen) and organ contents of cadmium and lead. Although still mainly used as research tools, they are already at a stage where routine applications can be justified in clinical diagnosis and occupational health monitoring. The radiation doses delivered to the subject vary according to the sensitivity and precision required, but are generally low compared with many common radiological examinations and diagnostic tests.