Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence spectrometry of medical plant samples

Abstract

The method of samples processing and subsequent their analysis using Radionuclide X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for medical plant samples and drugs has been developed. Technical aspects of the measurement such as mutual geometrical arrangement of tablets (of various size and mass), semiconductor Si/Li detector and the primary source of radiation, 238Pu, are discussed. Technique of Radionuclide X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (RXFS) has been applied on samples of medical products and medicines used to treat liver diseases. Medicinal herbs, teas in infusion bags and the drug from this group, were analysed in the solid state (in the form of tablets) or as the leachate, applied to the ion exchanger resin. Chelating Extraction Disks EmporeTM have proven the ability to extract elements from liquid samples under certain conditions and thus to prepare samples for RXFS analysis and evaluation. To ensure correct results, an optimal pH environment has been found. The detection limits of selected elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb) have been calculated for both solid and liquid state samples. Standard addition method and calibration curve parameters have been used to evaluate the concentration of each element in studied samples. Determined concentrations of the examined elements were compared with permissible contaminant limits for the relevant food law in Slovak Republic.