Some aspects of the use of SIMS for investigations on iron metabolism based upon the application of isotopically enriched tracers

Abstract We have explored the use of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) for investigations on iron metabolism using the stable isotopes 54 Fe, 57 Fe and 58 Fe as tracers. Adequate care provided, the tracer content of the blood plasma can be derived from the measured secondary ion intensity ratios. Quantification was checked on test samples involving the addition of tracer material to small quantities of blood plasma. The potential of the SIMS technique for investigations on iron metabolism is demonstrated by recent experiments on hospitalized patients.