Analysis of whole blood by neutron activation: a search for a biochemical indicator of neoplasia.

We determined a total of 13 elements in the whole blood of cancer patients and controls by using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The samples were spotted as whole blood on small filter paper disks, allowed to dry at room temperature, and sealed between two polyethylene disks. They were then irradiated and counted. Eleven elements were determined by this method. Sodium and chlorine were measured by irradiating whole blood in polyethylene vials. Statistical analysis of the data predicts that, with a very hgih probability, cobalt and iron are lower, adn sodium, tantalum, lanthanum and chlorine are higher in the cancer patients than in the normal persons tested. Chromium, zinc, and bromine also show differences between the two groups at a probability exceeding 0.95. Variations are indicated in scandium and cesium also, but are less strongly supported. Hafnium and selenium show no significant differences.