Clinical Applications of TXRF

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) with Bruker’s S2 PICOFOX, has a wide range of clinical applications. The search for and quantification of trace elements plays an important role e.g. in metallomics, toxicology and the analysis of nutritional metals in biological matrices.

In metallomics, the study of metals and metalloids within a cell or tissue type, TXRF can be used to determine metals and their concentrations in metalloproteins. The advantage of using TXRF is the possibility of simultaneous multi-element analysis, which supports rapid screening. Similarly, toxic elements can be found in all kinds of biological samples. As in most cases only little sample preparation is required, this method provides quick results. This is also the advantage in looking at nutritional metals, as a wide variety of sample types and consistencies has to be considered. Whether looking at solids, liquids or suspensions, preparations steps are few and there is also only a limited requirement for sample digestion. In many cases it can be done without.

Bruker offers several lab reports on the subject, which can be found here. Also, a webinar has been broadcast recently. It features a selection of informative application examples from all areas discussed. Please contact us to obtain a PDF of the slides or a link to the recording of the webinar.