Detection of Plutonium Contamination in Humans by the Autoradiographic Method

The autoradiographic technique, using 5 μ paraffin sections in contact with 5 μ NTA emulsion for 10 hr. and similar sections of sputum for 3 days, was found to be more sensitive for detecting contamination with Pu²³⁹ than tests with a scintillation counter. Both human and pig skin were tested. The autoradiograms showed characteristic alpha tracks in the emulsion at sites of Pu deposition following its uptake either in solution or in particulate form. Autoradiography is recommended as a routine method to supplement information gained from chemical analyses and counting procedures.