Qualitative survey analysis of thin layers of tissue samples. Heavy metal traces in human lung tissue.

A special X-ray fluorescence spectrometric method has been used for the analyses of thin layers of tissue samples. This method [called Total-Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF)] gives qualitative information about numerous trace elements of physiological and environmental interest. Microtome cuts of frozen lung tissue samples are placed on quartz glass targets and excited to X-ray fluorescence by the primary beam of a molybdenum tube. This method is of interest due to the very short time needed for sampling, sample preparation and simultaneous measurement. It could be a helpful procedure in pathological and occupational medicine if a decision has to be made as to whether or not a tissue sample is extremely dust loaden.