Tattoos: light and transmission electron microscopy studies with X-ray microanalysis.

Abstract

Summary Although the microscopic appearance of tattoos is well described, in many instances the nature of the pigment remains obscure. The presence of a specific pigment is sometimes implied from the colour of the tattoo and when sensitivity is present by a positive patch test (Cronin, 1980). Analysis of the pigment in tattoos has occasionally been described using techniques such as laser microprobe analysis and selected area diffraction studies (Silberberg & Leider, 1970). When made available from the tattooist the dye can also be analysed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (Clark & Black, 1979). Electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis can detect numerous elements with certainty but surprisingly the technique has rarely been applied to tattoos. Taaffe, Knight & Marks (1978) identified mercury using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis but due to the small amounts present there was uncertainty as to whether the metal represented contamination. This paper describes the use of X-ray microanalysis in the investigation of tattoos and correlates the findings with light and transmission electron microscopy appearances. The theoretical aspects of the technique have been described previously (Bleehen et al., 1981).