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Trace element studies on whole human cerebrospinal fluid with external beam PIXE
R Lapatto1, M Hyvönen-Dabek, J T Dabek
1University of Helsinki, Department of Physics, Finland.
Journal of Trace Elements and Electrolytes in Health and Disease
|September 1, 1988
Summary
External beam PIXE analysis measured elemental concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). High bromine levels in some patients were linked to bromide salt medications, not disease.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial for diagnosing neurological disorders.
- Elemental composition of CSF can provide diagnostic markers.
- Accurate elemental quantification in CSF is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine elemental concentrations (K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br) in CSF using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE).
- To investigate the cause of elevated bromine levels in certain patient CSF samples.
- To evaluate the feasibility of PIXE for routine clinical CSF analysis.
Main Methods:
- External beam Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) analysis with a 2.4 MeV proton beam.
- Development and optimization of a new method for preparing self-supporting sample films.
- Utilized Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a homogenizer for sample preparation.
Main Results:
- Established concentration ranges for K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Br in human CSF.
- Identified exogenous bromide salts from medications as the cause of exceptionally high CSF bromine levels.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of the optimized sample preparation technique.
Conclusions:
- PIXE is a viable method for quantifying elements in CSF.
- Elevated CSF bromine is often medication-related, not indicative of a specific disorder.
- The developed sample preparation method enhances PIXE analysis accuracy for clinical applications.