Trace-element analysis by charged-particle-induced reactions as a tool for physicians and chemists

Area of Science:

• Nuclear analytical chemistry
• Biomedical analysis
• Clinical diagnostics

Background:

• Trace element analysis is crucial for understanding human health and disease.
• Conventional methods for trace element analysis in biological samples can be limited.
• Nuclear analytical techniques offer sensitive and specific elemental quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce physicians and chemists to nuclear analytical techniques, specifically ion beam analysis (PIXE and PIGE).
• To explore the application of PIXE and PIGE in clinical diagnostics.
• To determine the range of trace and toxic elements in human blood samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) for elemental analysis.
• Applying these techniques to biological and biomedical samples, including human blood.
• Comparing analysis data from normal human blood samples.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the feasibility of ion beam analysis for trace element determination in biological samples.
• Provided comparative analysis data for normal human blood samples.
• Highlighted the capability of PIXE and PIGE to quantify trace and toxic elements.

Conclusions:

• Ion beam analysis techniques (PIXE and PIGE) are viable for clinical diagnostic applications.
• These nuclear analytical methods are effective for determining trace and toxic elements in human blood.
• Further application in clinical settings is recommended for improved diagnostics.