Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39865194›Full record

ReviewCurrent environmental health reports2025

Ways to Measure Metals: From ICP-MS to XRF.

Kolawole E Adesina, Chandler J Burgos, Thomas R Grier, Abu S M Sayam, Aaron J Specht

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Current environmental health reports, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 13 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
13citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

13 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. A Beginner's Guide for Using Bone in Marine Mammal Research.Integrative and comparative biology · 2026
    Guideline
  2. Review
  3. Article
  4. Article
  5. Review
  6. Review
  7. Article
  8. Review
  9. Article
  10. Article
  11. Article
  12. Article
  13. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Kolawole E AdesinaSchool of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West-Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA.
Chandler J BurgosSchool of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West-Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA.
Thomas R GrierSchool of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West-Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA.
Abu S M SayamSchool of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West-Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA.
Aaron J SpechtSchool of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West-Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA. aspecht@purdue.edu.

Funding

Translational Research Support CoreP30ES000002 · NIEHS · HARVARD UNIVERSITY (SCH OF PUBLIC HLTH) · PI JAIME ELIZABETH HART · 1985 to 2026
$44.6M
NIEHS NIH HHS ES000002NIEHS NIH HHS P30 ES000002NIOSH CDC HHS K01 OH012528NIOSH CDC HHS K01OH012528
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purpose of reviewThis review explores the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) for quantifying metals and metalloids in biological matrices such as hair, nails, blood, bone, and tissue. It provides a comprehensive overview of these methodologies, detailing their technological limitations, application scopes, and practical considerations for selection in both laboratory and field settings. By examining traditional and novel aspects of each method, this review aims to guide researchers and clinical practitioners in choosing the most suitable analytical tool based on their specific needs for sensitivity, precision, speed, and sample preparation. RECENT

findingsRecent studies highlight enhanced capabilities of both ICP-MS and XRF technologies, making them more adaptable to various analytical needs. ICP-MS is renowned for its unmatched sensitivity and precision in detecting ultra-trace metals and metalloids in complex biological samples, such as lead in plasma or seawater. XRF advancements include lower detection limits and reduced sample preparation time, enabling rapid, non-destructive analyses, ideal for quick field assessments. Portable XRF analyzers have revolutionized on-the-spot testing, providing robust data without traditional wet-lab constraints. Moreover, hybrid techniques combining ICP-MS and XRF features are emerging, offering rapid and precise metal analysis for environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics, and epidemiological studies. Matching analytical methods to specific research demands is critical. ICP-MS is the gold standard for detailed quantitative analysis in laboratories, while XRF excels in non-destructive, immediate field applications. Selection should consider sample complexity, sensitivity, speed, and cost-efficiency. Integrating ICP-MS and XRF offers a versatile approach to metals analysis, transforming practices in environmental science and healthcare diagnostics. As these technologies evolve, they are promising to expand capabilities in detecting and understanding the roles of metals and metalloids in health and the environment.

Indexed as

Environmental MonitoringMass SpectrometryMetalsSpectrometry, X-Ray EmissionHumansMetalloidsMetalloidsMetalsBiological samplesElementsICP-MSMetalsQuantificationSpectrometryXRF

Identifiers

PMID39865194
PMCPMC11913532

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceTDM
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.