X-ray Total Reflection Fluorescence Analysis of Iron, Copper, Zinc, and Bromine in Human Serum

Abstract

The method of total reflection fluorescence analysis was used to obtain concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, and bromine in human sera. It was first applied to the commercial control-serum preparation known as Seronorm, and the results obtained were in good agreement with quoted values. The method was then used to determine the concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, and bromine in a random sampling of 62 individuals in an essentially Chinese population. The results are discussed. We feel that this is a suitable method for trace-element analysis of blood in an average laboratory. It is rapid, simple, and economical, besides being multielemental and nondestructive and requiring very small quantities—which seems to be a must in pediatrics.