Analysis of Kidney Stones by PIXE and RBS Techniques

Abstract

Human kidney stones were analysed by particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometric (RBS) techniques using a 2 MeV He2+ beam. The stones were found to contain C, N, O, F, Na, Mg, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe and Br. The results obtained by PIXE agreed with those obtained by RBS within experimental error. A mechanism for the formation of the kidney stones is suggested.