Multi-Elemental Analysis of Hair and Fingernails Using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED XRF) Method Supported by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS).

This work compared the multi-element analysis of human hair and nails using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) with an easy, fast, cheap, non-destructive method using energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED XRF). The ICP MS-based method was more sensitive (over 30 elements could be quantified) and costly (requiring more time, samples, and chemicals). The EDX-based method required laboratory and certified reference materials made of hair for instrument calibration.