Medical applications of X-ray fluorescence for trace element research

Abstract

Techniques for estimation of element levels directly in humans (noninvasivein vivo) or in samples (in vitro) from humans are reviewed. Toxic, nonessential, trace elements may cause temporary or permanent damage to various organs and tissues in humans. There is thus a need to control the concentrations. Knowledge of the relations between toxic effects and element concentration may be extracted from measurements in humans as well as in samples from humans and her environment. Applications traditionally include occupationally exposed subjects, but an increasing research area is studies of members of the general population and of patients undergoing therapy for malignant and other diseases. Mostin vivoXRF studies deal with lead in bone and cadmium in kidneys. For retired lead workers, a clear association has been demonstrated between bone lead and blood lead, due to endogenous lead excretion from the skeleton. A study of mercuryin vivoshowed that the technique is capable of detecting mercury in heavily exposed worker’s kidneys.In vivoXRF in cancer and rheumatology patients has helped to understand how platinum and gold are retained in the human body. The newestin vivoapplications include zinc in prostate gland and arsenic in skin.