The factors affecting in vivo x-ray fluorescence measurements of lead in bone

The factors affecting the sensitivity of X-ray fluorescence determination of lead in bone phantoms using 57Co are investigated with the object of applying the technique to in vivo measurements in tibia. An analysis of the components of the measured pulse height spectrum in a hyperpure Ge detector is presented and the implications for the optimisation of the source-detector configuration discussed. Finally, some preliminary investigations using a 109Cd source are outlined.