SAMPLE COLLECTION GUIDELINES FOR TRACE-ELEMENTS IN BLOOD AND URINE

This paper presents an organized system for element-specific sample co llection and handling of human brood (whole blood, serum or plasma, pa cked cells or erythrocytes) and urine also indicating a proper definit ion of the subject acid sample. Harmonized procedures for collection, preparation, analysis and quality control are suggested. The aim is to assist scientists worldwide to produce comparable data which will be useful on a regional, national and international scale. The guidelines are directed to the elements aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, c obalt, copper, read, lithium, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium and zinc. These include the most important elements measured for their oc cupational or clinical significance, and serve as examples of principl es that will guide development of methods for other elements in the fu ture.