What type of radiation does Whole Body Counting (WBC) primarily detect?

Whole Body Counting (WBC) is primarily designed to detect gamma radiation. This method is employed to measure the radioactive isotopes that may be present in a person's body, which is particularly important in environments where individuals may be exposed to radioactive materials.

Gamma radiation is highly penetrating, allowing it to pass through body tissues and be detected effectively by the detectors used in WBC setups. This characteristic makes gamma rays suitable for assessing internal contamination in humans, as they can provide information about the presence and quantity of radioactive isotopes absorbed into the body.

While other types of radiation like alpha, beta, and neutron also have their detection mechanisms, they are not the focus of Whole Body Counting. Alpha particles, for instance, have limited penetration capabilities and typically require specific conditions to be detected effectively inside the body, while beta particles are less penetrating than gamma rays. Neutrons, on the other hand, require specialized detection equipment and are not commonly monitored through whole-body counting processes.