Thulium is an element of the lanthanides group. It is bright silver-gray and can be cut with a knife. It is the least abundant rare earth element and is easy to process. It oxidizes slowly in the air but is more resistant to oxidation than most rare earth elements. Thulium, in nature, consists entirely of the stable isotope 169Tm.
Applications of Thulium
Pure metal and its compounds have little commercial use because they are scarce and expensive. Thulium has been used in the manufacture of lasers. When stable Thulium (169Tm) is bombarded with a nuclear reactor, it can later serve as a source of radiation to portable X-ray devices. It is also used in ceramic magnetic materials used in microwave equipment and personal dosimeters for measuring radioactive radiation.
Thulium is never found in nature in pure form but is present in small quantities in minerals and other rare earth elements.
Impact of Thulium on human health
There is only a minimal amount of Thulium in the human body, but the exact amount is unknown. The highest concentrations of Thulium occur in the liver, kidneys, and bones. Thulium has not yet been determined to have a biological role, but small amounts of soluble Thulium are believed to stimulate metabolism. The soluble Thulium salts are considered slightly toxic when taken in large quantities, but insoluble salts are not toxic.
Thulium is not an environmental threat to plants and animals.
How can one determine if one has been exposed to Thulium?
We can measure the levels of Thulium in blood and most biological materials.
Determination of metals is done by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), a method that enables the simultaneous detection of many metals. Its sensitivity and accuracy are significantly better than conventional atomic absorption, with the ability to measure metals at concentrations up to 1 in 1015 (1 in 1 quadrillion, ppq)!
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70% and 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted solely based on the numerical result of a single analysis. They should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
