Determination of trace elements in human whole blood by instrumental neutron activation analysis

The trace element composition of whole blood has been investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The blood samples of 80 individuals of adult population in Taiwan were analyzed. The samples were lyophilized, irradiated together with synthetic standards, and determined gamma-spectrometrically. The concentrations of 7 elements, Cr, Co, Fe, Rb, Sc, Se and Zn were simultaneously determined. The reliability of the analysis was checked with NBS bovine liver reference standard material. The frequency distributions of all the elements measured are presented and the results are compared with available data.