Experiences in the field of elemental analysis in vivo.

Abstract

In this paper some radioanalytical methods will be described for assessing the contents of various elements in the human body. In vivo methods are necessary for this problem. Protein content can be estimated by means of in vivo measurements of nitrogen, bone minerals by means of the total body content of calcium. Fat contains a high concentration of carbon. Carbon in fat can be estimated and from this the total body fat can be calculated. Toxic elements such as lead, cadmium and mercury are assessed by in vivo measurements, both related to occupationally exposed workers and to members of the public.