The Sampling and Analysis of Human Livers

A comprehensive approach to the analysis of human livers has been developed in a pilot program for a National Environmental Specimen Bank (NESB). Since 1980, the pilot NESB program has examined the collection, processing, storage and analysis of human livers. Sampling protocols, handling procedures and analytical methods have been developed and implemented considering the requirements for valid analytical results. Sampling and handling included the use of cleanroom technology, specific clean implements and packing materials made from titanium and Teflon and flash-freezing and preservation at liquid nitrogen temperature. Neutron activation analysis played a major role in the implemented analytical scheme. The scheme combined up to four analytical techniques to determine the distribution of 29 trace elements in 66 human livers.