The feasibility of K XRF bone lead measurements in mice assessed using 3D-printed phantoms.

This article describes the development of a system formeasurements of lead body burden in mice usingCd K x-ray fluorescence (XRF). This K XRF system could facilitate early-stage studies on interventions that ameliorate or reverse organ tissue damage from lead poisoning by reducing animal numbers through a cross-sectional study approach. A novel mouse phantom was developed based on a mouse atlas and 3D-printed using PLA plastic with plaster of Paris 'bone' inserts.