Use of instrumental neutron activation analysis to determine concentrations of multiple trace elements in human organs

Inasmuch as the availability of suitable analytical specimens may be limited, the defining of normal concentrations or ranges of trace elements in human organs is problematic. Little is known about whether various parts of an organ, or of bilateral organs, differ in their concentrations of trace elements. In this study, the authors determined the distribution of trace elements in different portions of human organs, and between the right and left lung and kidney, with instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). By setting the variance limit at less than 20%, they determined that trace elements were similar in 7 of the 9 organs tested (the exceptions being kidney and lung). Trace element concentrations found in the right lung were very different from those found in the left lung. Some trace elements varied in concentration according to the part or laterality of the organ tested.