title: Monte Carlo calculations applied to the parametrical studies in a whole body counter.
abstract: The use of a Monte Carlo code for the analysis and interpretation of whole body counting measurements is described. The sources of error are analysed and commented to show how a counting geometry can be improved by improving accuracy and precision in a measurement. The effects of body size, contamination distribution and counting geometry are also parameters which can be easily used to improve the quality of a body burden assessment. The optimisation of the detector (position, shielding, shape and size) is also commented on the basis of calculations in the photon energy range usually encountered in routine measurements. The results obtained from these simulations are confirmed by experimental results.
authors.affiliation: Belgian Nuclear Research Centre-SCK-CEN, Division of Radiation Protection, Department of Safeguard and Nuclear Measurements, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium. jgenicot@sckcen.be
authors.forename: Jean Louis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Genicot
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Koukouliou
authors.forename: Eleftheria
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carinou
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014915:Whole-Body Counting