Several important advantages over other techniques like Atomic Absorption, X-Ray Resonance Fluorescence, Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry, Inductively Couples Plasma Mass Spectrometry:

1. Nuclear technique that measures the intensity of gamma rays of " characteristic" energy using gamma spectroscopy.
2. Multielement Analysis.
3. Rapid analyses of multiple samples.
4. Sample size can be variable (typically 1 mg to 1 gm) and larger for measurement of natural (K-U-Th) radioactive isotopes.
5. Nondestructive - that is valuable and safe, samples are not destroyed.
6. No Chemical processing; therefore samples are not contaminated during sample preparation, no uncertainty about total dissolution of sample, no need for dilutions of solutions, making the technique valuable and safe. Samples are not destroyed.
7. No need for repeated blank measurements because no memory effects.
8. Gamma ray spectroscopy is largely free from matrix. interferences
9. Depending on the sample matrix, elemental concentrations can be determined at parts per million (ppm), parts per billion (ppb) and parts per trillion (ppt) level.
10. Versatile (in use for more than half a century), well established and reliable.

Introduction to INAA
Analytical Capabilities of INAA
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Created by Pillalamarri Ila
November 1, 2003
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Copyright Pillalamarri Ila
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