X-Ray Spectroscopy in the Clinical Laboratory

Abstract

Abstract X-ray spectroscopy was applied to the determination of the total phosphorus content of serum and the iron content of whole blood (hemoglobin). Samples were placed on confined spots on paper, dried, then passed through the X-ray field. Concentration was then determined from the peaks as drawn on a recorder. A device is described that permits automatic assay of successive samples dried on paper without delays between readings. Samples are placed in the field and rapidly withdrawn at 30-sec. intervals, the response of the recorder serving as a measure of concentration. Results for total phosphorus in serum and total iron in whole blood were compared with those obtained by a wet ashing procedure. No significant difference with respect to both mean values and precision was observed except that total iron by the wet ashing procedure was more precise. However, the X-ray technic was adequate for clinical purposes. Hemoglobin levels calculated from whole-blood iron values demonstrated that bilirubin, red cell debris, leukocytes, and lipids interfered in the colorimetric but not in the X-ray procedure. A hemoglobinometer based on the X-ray spectroscopic technic may, therefore, yield results of greater clinical significance.