Abstract

So far, chemists, molecular biologists and biochemists have reaped the greatest benefits from mass spectrometry (Aebersold et al., 2003). This type of analysis could, however, be useful in many fields. Mass spectrometry is on its way to the doctors office (Pusch et al., 2003; Foldes-Papp et al., 2002; Henry 1999). The article is focused on laser-activated microprobe mass analysis (LAMMA) and inductively coupled argon plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Potential applications of the two types of mass spectrometry are demonstrated in clinical medicine. It is the first comprehensive review on qualitative characterization of carbonaceous compounds in lung tissue samples in situ and quantitative trace element determination in body fluids.

Keywords: mass spectrometry, black particles, body fluids, trace elements, pleural effusion, pleural empyema, smoker lung, graphite pneumoconiosis, sequential thoracentesis