PIXE analysis of gallstones from Turkish patients

The trace element analysis of gallstone samples removed by cholecystectomy from 100 Turkish patients has been done by using protons at 23.5 MeV and the PIXE method. Ca, Fe, Mn, K, Cl, Br, Cu and Zn elements were observed in the samples in varying concentrations related to the types of the gallstone. Elemental concentrations of the gall stones for these elements were determined. Rb was used as the internal reference. Ca concentration is the highest and it is followed by Fe, Mn.