Determination of trace elements in a human serum reference material by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A method was developed for the determination of Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Rb, Mo and Cs in human serum by ICP-MS. Sample preparation was kept as limited as possible: Serum samples were diluted with nitric acid and indium was added as internal standard. The results for Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn were corrected for interferences from polyatomic ions using a suitable blank solution. No interferences occur for the considered isotopes of Rb, Mo, and Cs. A 'second-generation human serum reference material' was analyzed, in order to test the accuracy and precision of the analytical procedure. The results obtained are in good agreement with the certified values. (Authors)