Arterial extraction of quantum dots (QD) assayed by fluorescence or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry were studied after infusion into isolated perfused skin. Extraction was mathematically modeled using three linear differential equations. COOH-coated QD had greater tissue deposition, assessed both by model prediction and laser confocal scanning microscopy, than did QD-PEG. Both QD had a unique periodicity in arterial extraction never observed with drug infusions, suggesting a potentially important nanomaterial behavior that could affect systemic disposition.