Measuring with sensitivity

Biological samples can be tested for ultra trace levels of uranium and plutonium with higher sensitivity than has been possible in the past, thanks to a flow-injection analysis procedure developed by researchers in Europe.

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a useful tool in determining the concentrations and isotopic compositions of uranium and plutonium. It has several advantages over thermal ionisation MS - the separation processes required are reduced, and the efficiency, sensitivity, precision and accuracy of the analysis are improved.

Sabine Becker and her team used double-focusing sector field ICP-MS, with a micro-flow total consumption nebuliser for sample introduction, to obtain sensitive measurements. She says the method could be developed to analyse very small samples since so little is consumed in the process.

Carolyn Ackers