Demonstration of whole blood analysis using proton-induced x-ray emission.

The elemental variations in whole blood following gamma-radiation injury of mice have been studied. the trace-element analyses were performed using the proton-induced x-ray emission technique, and the results were compared with the red blood-cell count. It is shown that, by using this method, the variation of the six elements, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Rb, can be studied simultaneously.