Trace Elements Distribution in Human Gallstones, Bile and Gallbladder Tissues Using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

This study focuses on the elemental distribution in different types of gallstones; bile and gallbladder tissues using neutron activation analysis technique based on k0-INAA method in Tajura center. Samples were collected from patients who undergone open surgery of gallbladder (cholecystectomy) at El-khadra University Hospital in Tripoli, aged between 23-80 yr. The samples obtained from patients who don't suffer from any chronic diseases, therefore, they were not taking any medications that might elevate the concentration of certain elements in the body. Samples were prepared and lyophilized by different process in a clean room. All samples were irradiated in the reactor and measured in the neutron activation laboratory. In order to obtain accurate results, Au and Zr flux monitors were irradiated with the samples for flux ratio (f) and α determinations and to account for any flux variations within the container. The irradiations of the samples were carried out in the reactor channels VCR11 and VCR12 for 8 hours under f (32 and 14) and α parameters (0.0183, 0.1678) respectively. More than 20 elements were determined in the above mentioned samples. Several SRM were irradiated with the samples to insure the reliability of the results.