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Title: Potential errors in body composition as estimated by whole body scintillation counting

Journal Article · · J. Lab. Clin. Med.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5763009

Vigorous exercise has been reported to increase the apparent potassium content of athletes measured by whole body gamma ray scintillation counting of /sup 40/K. The possibility that this phenomenon is an artifact was evaluated in three cyclists and one nonathlete after exercise on the road (cyclists) or in a room with a source of radon and radon progeny (nonathlete). The apparent /sup 40/K content of the thighs of the athletes and whole body of the nonathlete increased after exercise. Counts were also increased in both windows detecting /sup 214/Bi, a progeny of radon. /sup 40/K and /sup 214/Bi counts were highly correlated (r . 0.87, p less than 0.001). The apparent increase in /sup 40/K was accounted for by an increase in counts associated with the 1.764 MeV gamma ray emissions from /sup 214/Bi. Thus a failure to correct for radon progeny would cause a significant error in the estimate of lean body mass by /sup 40/K counting.

Research Organization:
Department of Physics and Health, University of North Dakota
OSTI ID:
5763009
Journal Information:
J. Lab. Clin. Med.; (United States), Vol. 101:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English