Radiochemical neutron activation analysis in the life sciences - A look back and ahead

The contribution of radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RCNAA) to a better understanding of trace element analytics and physiology in the life sciences is outlined. Now various non-nuclear powerful techniques for trace element analysis have become available, competing with RCNAA. This necessi tates re-evaluation of the position of RCNAA, in particular versus inductiv ely coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). On basis of the characteris tic features of RCNAA and the capabilities of various competing non-nuclear analytical techniques, future niches for RCNAA in the analytical market ar e indicated.