Trials of application of X-ray microprobe for determination of trace elements in blood cells

The possibility of determining the quantity of many elements (calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, cobalt, manganese, sulphur, copper and iron) in different blood cells by means of scanning electron microscope quantimeter was demonstrated. The authors describe the physical principles of the applied method of X-ray microanalysis and the method of blood samples preparation for this investigation. Significant differences were demonstrated in the content of calcium in spot analysis of peripheral blood erythrocytes and lymphocytes from healthy newborns. Examples of scanning images of these cells with their linear microanalysis demonstrate the possibilities of applying X-ray microprobe in haematology. (author)