In vivo EDXRF scanning analysis of human nail

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a new technique forin vivoenergy dispersive X-rayfluorescence (EDXRF) scan analysis, applied to humanfingernails. The scan employs a specially designed EDXRF spectrometer, which allows a concentration profile of the elements detected in a human nail. In order to carry out this technique, a group of nail fragments taken from different people was analyzed. The elements S, Ca, Cu, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb were detected in most of the samples. A bidimensional (x, y)scanwas also performed on a whole removed nail in which the 2D spatial distribution of the detected elements was observed. Significant differences in some of the detected elements were noted. Minimum time of average detection per element was determined, based on the EDXRF spectra of the nail fragment. The time required to obtain anin vivoelement profile of a typical nail was thus determined, applying the same geometry and acquisition conditions for all cases. The dose that the person undergoing this type of EDXRF scan analysis would be exposed to was also determined. Exposure time does not exceed 15 s, and the calculated administered dose is in the surface nail region of 0.1 mGy/s. The results of this study demonstrate that it is possible to carry out anin vivo X-rayfluorescence scan analysis. This information may be used in differentfields of medicine, such as nutrition and toxicology, and in other areas that establish a correlation between the concentration of the detected elements and certain diseases. Nail and hair are known to be?accumulating tissues? unlike bodilyfluids. In some aspects, nail analysis can be equal to a blood test.