Use of total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) for the evaluation of heavy metal poisoning due to the improper use of a traditional ayurvedic drug

An Indian patient referred to Clinica del Lavoro ‘L.Devoto’ of Milano showed clinical signs of heavy metal poisoning, possibly related to a sustained 6-month use of approx. 3 g/day of a traditional preparation (a whitish powder with a ‘mineral’ appearance) to treat urological problems. To confirm the causal relationship between the disease and the use of such product, metal testing was performed on the patient's hair and the ayurvedic remedy samples by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF). For TXRF analysis 1-cm cut of the patient's hair was directly deposited onto the quartz glass sample carrier, then 10 μl of nitric acid 65% were added and dried in air. TXRF showed high versatility, rapid and simultaneous element detection, and short analysis time, thus supporting a wider use in emergency medicine and in forensic analyses.