PERFORMANCE OF TXRF and GI-XRF ANALYSES - Total-Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis and Related Methods - page 211

be suitable for ultratrace analysis. The success rate will be above 95% if a
skillful operation is carried out.
4.1.2PreparationofSamples
When the analysis is to be performed of a small specimen representative of a
larger amount of sample material, this material must first be homogenized.
Furthermore, when a trace analysis is to be performed, the sample matrix
should preferably be separated. In general, these operations are more difficult
for solids than for liquids and more difficult for inorganic than for organic or
biomaterials [5,6]. A diagram of preparatory steps taken prior to TXRF
analysis is outlined in Figure 4.4.
Figure4.4. Diagram of preparatory steps taken prior to TXRF analysis. Figure from Ref. [4],
reproduced with permission. Copyright1996, John Wiley and Sons.