Direct determination of zinc in serum by Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace

Clin Chem. 1992 Dec;38(12):2439-43.

Abstract

We developed a precise and accurate graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric method for the direct determination of zinc in serum. Serum samples are analyzed after 20-fold dilution with water of ultrapure analytical grade. No other reagent is used, from the moment of sampling until measurement. During atomization, the argon flow is kept at 150 mL/min instead of gas stop, to decrease the sensitivity and thus allow lower dilution ratios. Zinc concentrations are determined against a serum-matched calibration curve. Graphite tubes are uncoated and no L'vov platform is used. Between-run CVs were 5.9%, 3.5%, and 1.9% for serum zinc concentrations of 0.93, 1.15, and 1.43 mg/L, respectively. The characteristic mass was 9 pg, and the detection limit (meanblank + 3SDblank) was 0.060 mg/L.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reference Values
  • Spectrophotometry, Atomic / methods*
  • Spectrophotometry, Atomic / statistics & numerical data
  • Zinc / blood*

Substances

  • Zinc