Simple colorimetric micromethod determines concentrations of uranium in tissue. The method involves dry ashing organic extraction, and colorimetric determination of uranyl ferrocyanide. This uranium determination technique could be used in agricultural research, tracer studies, testing of food products, or medical research

Doran, D.

Frigerio, N. A.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

December 1967
	
Brief 67-10580 
•1D	 AEC-NASA TECH BRIEF,	 F'" . A 
IjIiiII
AEC-NASA Tech Briefs describe innovations resulting from the research and development program 
of the U.S. AEC or from AEC-NASA interagency efforts. They are issued to encourage commercial 
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the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Simple Colorimetric Method Determines Uranium in Tissue 
EDF Ash 	 Reflux Conc, HNO3 	 Acid 2 ml For 10 mm.	 I Solution	 I 
I	 I 
Extract Twice 15 ml. 
Ethyl Acetate From 
15 ml. Al(NO3)3 Soin. 
Evaporate to	 Ethyl Acetate 
Dryness	 Extract 
Extract 
4 ml H20
Extrac J___.
	
 
Add 1 ml. 0.05 M K4Fe(CN)6 
at 400 me
	 1 
Read 
after 10 mm. 
The problem: 
To devise a simple method for the determination of 
uranium in tissue. Ever since U 235 has been used for 
neutron-capture therapy of tumors, a method for its 
determination in tissues has been needed which is 
sufficiently simple in practice and equipment for use 
in hospital laboratories. A number of methods for 
this analysis now exist, but all require sophisticated, 
nonstandard equipment. 
The solution: 
A simple colorimetric micromethod, which uses 
equipment and reagents that are available in most 
clinical laboratories. The method can determine 
concentrations of uranium as low as 10-8 mole per 
1-gram tissue sample. The method involves dry 
ashing organic extraction, and colorimetric deter-
mination of uranyl ferrocyanide at 400 m. As little 
as 4 micrograms of uranium can be conveniently 
determined by this technique.
How it's done: 
The analytical method developed for determining 
uranium in tissue is outlined schematically in the 
figure, and summarized in the following steps: 
1. A tissue sample is first ashed in a covered 
crucible at 700 1 C for 2 hours, or by means of a 
hand-held Fisher burner. 
2. The sample is cooled and 2 ml of concentrated 
HNO3 are added. The material is covered with a 
watch glass, and refluxed for about 10 minutes 
on a hot plate. 
3. The sample is cooled and washed quantitatively 
into a 60 ml separatory funnel which contains 
15 ml of ethyl acetate and 15 ml of a nearly 
saturated aqueous solution of Al(NO3)3. The 
mixture is agitated and the ethyl acetate layer 
removed; then it is reextracted with 15 ml of 
fresh ethyl acetate. The extracts are then com-
bined in a 50-ml beaker and evaporated to dry-
ness on a hot plate; the heat is then applied 
continuously for another 20 minutes. (continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the Atomic liability resulting from the use of the information contained in this 
Energy Commission and/or the National Aeronautics and Space document, or warrants that the use of any information, apparatus, 
Administration. Neither the United States Government nor any per- method, or process disclosed in this document may not infringe pri-
son acting on behalf of the United States Government assumes any vately owned rights.
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4. The material is extracted with water, and any 
insoluble residue is filtered off as the extract is 
transferred to a cuvette. The volume is increased 
up to 4.0 ml, and 1 .Oml of 0.05 M KFe(CN)6 is 
added. 
5. The material is mixed, and after 10 minutes is 
read at 400 my. 
The sensitivity of the technique can be increased 
five times by the use of one-fifth the above volumes 
and a 1.0-ml, 1-cm cuvette. 
Notes: 
1. On the basis of sample tests made for the recovery 
of uranium from beef liver (a tissue having many 
interfering inherent ions), this procedure should 
be applicable to any tissue. 
2. This uranium determination technique could be 
used in agricultural research, tracer studies, 
testing of food products, or medical research. 
3. Additional details are contained in Biological and 
Medical Research Division Annual Report, 1965, 
ANL-7136 p. 188-189, 175-178, Argonne National 
Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois. This report is 
available from the Clearinghouse for Federal 
Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, 
Va. 22151. $3.00 each (microfiche, $0.65).
4. Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to:
Office of Industrial Cooperation 
Argonne National Laboratory 
9700 South Cass Avenue 
Argonne, Illinois 60439 
Reference: B67-10580
Source: D. Doran
St. Procopius College, Lisle, Illinois, 
and N. A. Frigerio
Biological and Medical Research Division 
(ARG- 10039) 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for commercial 
use of this innovation may be made to: 
Mr. George H. Lee, Chief 
Chicago Patent Group 
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission 
Chicago Operations Office 
9800 South Cass Avenue 
Argonne, Illinois 60439 
Brief 67-10580	 Category 03


Simple colorimetric method determines uranium in tissue

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