Application of high Tc SQUID magnetometer for sentinel-lymph node biopsy

The basic performance of a nanoparticle detection system for lymph node used with a high-Tc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) was investigated. Ultra-small iron oxide particles of 360 pg could be detected with spacing of 1 mm between the SQUID magnetometer and the particles. When the space was widened to 40 mm, the detectable weight of the particles was increased and was 1.6 /spl mu/g.