In vivoquantification of lead in bone with a portable x-ray fluorescence system-–methodology and feasibility

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the methodology and feasibility of developing a portable XRF technology to quantify lead (Pb) in bone in vivo. A portable XRF device was set up and optimal setting of voltage, current, and filter combination for bone lead quantification were selected to achieve the lowest detection limit. The minimum radiation dose delivered to the subject was calculated by Monte Carlo simulations. An ultrasound device was used to measure soft tissue thickness to account for signal attenuation, and an alternative method to obtain soft tissue thickness from the XRF spectrum was developed and shown to be equivalent to the ultrasound measurements (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC=0.82). We tested the correlation of in vivo bone lead concentrations between the standard KXRF technology and the portable XRF technology. There was a significant correlation between the bone lead concentrations obtained from the standard KXRF technology and those obtained from the portable XRF technology (ICC=0.65). The detection limit for the portable XRF device was about 8.4 ppm with 2 mm soft tissue thickness. The entrance skin dose delivered to the human subject was about 13 mSv and the total body effective dose was about 1.5 μSv and should pose a minimal radiation risk. In conclusion, portable XRF technology can be used for in vivo bone lead measurement with sensitivity comparable to the KXRF technology and good correlation with KXRF measurements.

XRF-measured bone lead (Pb) as a biomarker for Pb exposure and toxicity among children diagnosed with Pb poisoning

“…The spectra were analyzed using traditional peak fitting as described in detail in our previous work (Specht et al, 2014). Based on our previous study, by adjusting values for increased measurement time and tube current, we estimated the entrance skin dose of the system was 21 mSv to a 1 cm 2 area and the whole body effective dose was 2.4 µSv (Nie et al, 2011a). This can be compared to the whole body effective dose for a standard AP chest X-ray of about 100 µSv.…”

Calibrations for measurement of manganese and zinc in nail clippings using portable XRF

“…[5] A recent in vivo study showed the capabilities of portable XRF with regard to assessing bone lead concentration in a human population. [6] Advantages of a portable XRF approach include its ease of operation, speed, relatively low cost, and ability to reach rural and remote locations. In the current paper, we examine the portable XRF technique for possible detection of manganese and zinc in nail clippings.…”

Measurements of Strontium Levels in Human Bone In Vivo Using Portable X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)

“…Based on our previous study, which used TLD dosimeters and Monte Carlo simulations, we calculated the entrance skin dose of the system to be 21 μSv to a 1 cm 2 area and the whole-body effective dose was 2.4 μSv. 18 Because the X-ray beam is focused and of low energy, the whole-body dose almost exclusively derives itself from the dose to the skin and bone of the leg during measurement. The whole-body dose for this measurement is 40 times less than the whole body effective dose for a standard AP chest X-ray, which is about 100 μSv.…”