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Related Experiment Videos

Quantitative trace element analysis of human nails with external beam PIXE.

R Lapatto1, A Hietamäki, J Räisänen

  • 1Department of Crystallography, Birbeck College, London, UK.

Biological Trace Element Research
|March 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) analysis accurately measures trace elements in human nails without extensive sample preparation. This method allows for absolute concentration values and provides insights into intra- and interindividual elemental variations.

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Area of Science:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Human Physiology
  • Biomedical Science

Background:

  • Human nails serve as a potential matrix for biomonitoring trace elements.
  • Previous methods for nail analysis often require extensive sample pretreatment.
  • Accurate quantification of trace elements in nails can offer insights into human health and exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the suitability of external beam Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) for analyzing trace elements in human nails.
  • To develop and validate a method for obtaining absolute concentration values of elements in nail samples.
  • To assess intra- and interindividual variations in trace element concentrations in human nails.

Main Methods:

  • External beam PIXE analysis using a 2.4 MeV proton beam.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Washing as the sole pretreatment for human nail samples.
  • Development of a novel standardization method for accurate quantification.
  • Analysis of elements including Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, and Pb.

    • Main Results:

    • PIXE analysis is suitable for trace element determination in washed human nail samples.
    • A new, accurate method for nail sample standardization was successfully developed.
    • Concentration values for ten key elements were determined.
    • Intra- and interindividual variations, as well as short-term changes, were assessed.

    Conclusions:

    • External beam PIXE is a viable technique for the non-destructive analysis of trace elements in human nails.
    • The developed standardization method enables accurate absolute quantification.
    • Nail analysis using PIXE offers a valuable tool for biomonitoring and comparative studies with hair analysis.