Analysis of human nails by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Zahra Hosseinimakarem; Seyed Hassan Tavassoli

doi:10.1117/1.3574757

1 May 2011 Analysis of human nails by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Zahra Hosseinimakarem, Seyed Hassan Tavassoli

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Journal of Biomedical Optics, Vol. 16, Issue 5, 057002 (May 2011). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3574757

Abstract

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is applied to analyze human fingernails using nanosecond laser pulses. Measurements on 45 nail samples are carried out and 14 key species are identified. The elements detected with the present system are: Al, C, Ca, Fe, H, K, Mg, N, Na, O, Si, Sr, Ti as well as CN molecule. Sixty three emission lines have been identified in the spectrum that are dominated by calcium lines. A discriminant function analysis is used to discriminate among different genders and age groups. This analysis demonstrates efficient discrimination among these groups. The mean concentration of each element is compared between different groups. Correlation between concentrations of elements in fingernails is calculated. A strong correlation is found between sodium and potassium while calcium and magnesium levels are inversely correlated. A case report on high levels of sodium and potassium in patients with hyperthyroidism is presented. It is shown that LIBS could be a promising technique for the analysis of nails and therefore identification of health problems.

©(2011) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

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Zahra Hosseinimakarem and Seyed Hassan Tavassoli "Analysis of human nails by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy," Journal of Biomedical Optics 16(5), 057002 (1 May 2011). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3574757

Published: 1 May 2011

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KEYWORDS

Calcium

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Sodium

Magnesium

Potassium

Titanium

Iron

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