New aid for diagnosing chronic beryllium disease (CBD): laser ion mass analysis (LIMA).

The value of laser ion mass analysis (LIMA) for the detection of beryllium disease in routine histological sections was investigated. Our results were based on the examination of 14 cases of confirmed and five cases of suspected chronic beryllium disease. With the exception of two cases of coal workers' lungs, all the control material, normal, tuberculous, and sarcoid lungs examined were free of beryllium. The technique may also be useful in other diseases of possible occupational origin.