A system for measuring localized radiation over time and estimating the size, location, and volume of radioactive material in the body

Abstract

For example, a system and method for measuring radiation emitted from a human body is presented. In one example, a radiation sensor (e.g., a gamma ray sensor) may be used to measure radiation proximate an injection site as a function of time. From that data, a function representing the amount of radioactive material in tissue proximate the injection site as a function of time may be estimated, with the amount of radioactive material in the tissue at time t being known. Using an array of sensors, the amount of radioactive material in tissue proximate the injection site may be directly determined by the system. When the estimated function of radioactive material proximate the injection site as a function of time is known, an estimated arterial input function may be determined, allowing for the calculation of a correction factor that may be applied by a clinician during nuclear medicine imaging.