Feasibility of in vivo measurement of 239Pu distribution in lungs using an imaging plate

An in vivo measurement system using an imaging plate (IP) system was developed, which displayed images reflecting 239Pu distribution in the lung of a phantom. The detection limits of the IP system for 1-12 h exposures were between 1670 and 245 Bq at a 1.6 cm chest wall thickness. The detection limit of the IP system for a 2.5 h exposure was equal to that of a germanium detector for a 0.5 h measurement. The IP system could be used as a new device for in vivo measurement of 239Pu in the lung.