Trace-Element Contamination in Biopsies of the Liver

Abstract

Abstract Contamination by trace elements during collection of liver biopsies has been investigated qualitatively and quantitatively. Menghini needles for percutaneous liver biopsy and disposable surgical blades were irradiated in a nuclear reactor until their constituents had a high specific activity. Sampling of liver biopsies was simulated in vitro with use of the irradiated instruments. Under these experimental conditions, radioactivity found in the samples corresponds to contaminations as may be expected in clinical practice. The results demonstrate that needle biopsies are heavily contaminated by numerous trace elements and unsuitable for trace-element analysis. Liver biopsies taken during laparotomy, with a steel surgical blade, are markedly less contaminated but still not acceptable for determinations of some trace elements, especially chromium and nickel.