In Vivo Determination of Tibial Lead by K X-Ray Fluorescence with a sup 109 Cd Source

摘要

The authors have demonstrated that absolute values of bone lead concentrations can be established from well-known physical constants. The correlation between EDTA test results and tibial lead measured by three different groups using three different methods is found, after normalization to common units, to lie on a common curve that, on average, shows the bone lead to be directly proportional to the EDTA results. It appears possible to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the K x-ray determinations by improved data analysis programs and by increased source intensity and source-detector geometry changes. At present, the method appears capable of measuring lead concentrations at the 5-ppM (wet mass) level with uncertainties of +- 30 to 50% in 20 to 30 minutes measuring time. The uncertainties decrease at higher concentration levels. Measurements of the lead distribution in bone specimens by microscopic techniques would be useful in defining the relative merits of using K or L lead x rays in the measurements. 9 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs. (ERA citation 12:016885)