Quantitative spectrographic analysis of biological material. I-A method for the determination of lead in cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract

This is the best of a series of papers which deal with the development of quantitative methods of spectrographic analysis as applied to biological problems. In addition to the importance attacked to the development of suitable physical methods, some emphasis is placed upon the solution of specific biological or medical problems, and Ike investigations are carried out with the full co-operation of colleagues whose main interests lie in Ike associated science. The procedure described in this article has been developed and applied to the determination of lead concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of humans and animals. We have already learned, however, that it can be adapted as well to problems involving other body fluids and other metallic elements. It is essentially a method of analysis for "trace" elements, since it is applicable for concentrations between 1 X 10 -8 and 2 x 10 -5 gm/cc. The precision of a determination is better than 15%. The procedure is microanalytic in that a sample of 1 cc is sufficient for several determina­tions, and a semi-quantitative measurement can be made with 0·08 cc. This is of considerable importance in certain investigations, since it makes possible the analysis of substances which can be obtained only in small quantities.