The use of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to evaluate internal contamination.

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) permits the detection of stable and radioactive elements in microvolume. Based on the ablation of specimens by ion bombardment, this mass spectrometry method allows a rapid assessment of trace elements in biological samples and enables accurate isotopic ratio determination. In this work, an application of SIMS in studies involving element microdistribution is illustrated on the basis of analyses of duodenal tissue sections from rats contaminated with either cerium or thorium. For this purpose, tests are performed with SIMS to analyze tissue sections obtained 12, 24 and 48 hr after contamination. In this report, strengths and limitations of SIMS are pointed out as an important tool in biological research.