The determination of calcium in faecal samples by instrumental fast neutron activation analysis

A method is described for the determination of calcium in faecal material by a purely instrumental technique, namely fast neutron activation analysis. The major advantage of the technique over existing methods is that it requires minimal sample preparation. In addition, only a single standard is used and the method is also fairly rapid and simple. The method is well suited to the routine analysis of large numbers of samples and the results are shown to be comparable with atomic absorption spectrophotometry in accuracy. Finally, the technique can be extended to include the determination of several other elements providing a standard for each element is included.