DETERMINATION OF ANIONS IN HUMAN AND ANIMAL TEAR FLUID AND BLOOD-SERUM BY ION CHROMATOGRAPHY

An important factor contributing to the development of ion chromatogra phy (IC) has been the need for repetitive analyses of samples with hig h ionic contents and samples available in microvolumes. IC was selecte d for the determination of Cl-, NO3-, SO42- and PO43- anions in tear f luid and serum from ten human volunteers of both sexes, seven young-ad ult black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and three young-adult chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus). The samples were analysed on a Dionex Model 2000i/SP ion-exchange chromatograph equipped with an anion guard colu mn (Dionex IonPac AG4A), anion separator column (Dionex IonPac AS4A), suppressor column (Dionex AMMS-II) and a conductivity detector. The fl ow-rate of the mobile phase, 1.7 mM NaHCO3-1.8 mM Na2CO3 was set at 2. 0 mlimin. The R.S.D. was calculated to be less than 1:5% for all anion s. In the human, black vulture and chicken serum samples, the NO3-, PO 43- and SO42- anion contents were higher than in tears; for Cl- the re verse was found. No correlation was found amongst the anion concentrat ions present in the tear fluid and blood serum in all samples (p > 0.0 5). With no sample treatment, column maintenance was required.