Determination of fluorine in urine by photonuclear-activation analysis

Abstract

Fluorine has been determined in urine by photonuclear-activation analysis. Before irradiation the fluorine is concentrated by collecting it on an anionexchange resin. The radiochemical procedure for the separation of fluorine-18 from the irradiated resin sample is described. Final purification is achieved by precipitation of fluoride with magnesium chloride.

The chemical yield of fluorine is determined by weighing the precipitate after drying. In this method, the precision of the observed results in the range 1 to 2 p.p.m. is ±10 per cent. and the calculated limit of sensitivity is 0·01 µg.