Our laboratory analyzes for bone mineral content using various methods. Calcium(Ca) and phosphorus(P) assays are performed to using a colourimetric reaction to determine ion content. The intensity of the colour reaction is directly proportional to the content of Ca and P in the bone sample. Carbon detection is performed by using a carbon coulometric system which measures carbon as CO2. Trace elements found in bone, such as fluoride or strontium are quantified using a Slowpoke nuclear reactor or by exciting protons and measuring their decay by backscatter electron microscopy (BSE).