Multielemental trace analysis of biological materials using double focusing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry detection

The analytical potential of double focusing-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (DF-ICP-MS) for total elemental analysis in clinical samples (serum, blood, urine and other biological fluids), tissues and food product s is illustrated by reviewing typical applications recently published. Also , the use of DF-ICP-MS as specific detector for trace element speciation in biological samples is discussed. After adequate separation of interference s in the chromatographic column, low resolution measurements (R = 300) can be used to provide enhanced sensitivities of more than 100 times compared w ith quadrupole-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS). Thi s capability is extremely valuable in speciation studies. Also, the use of DF-ICP-MS at low resolution could provide very precise isotope ratio measur ements for isotope dilution analysis due to the 'flat topped' peaks obtaine d at this resolution. Unfortunately, the literature on these last two issue s is rather scarce so far, in spite of their extremely high analytical poss ibilities for biological research. Moreover, the bright future of DF-ICP-MS as a most powerful multielemental detector for trace element applications in biological systems will be highlighted. Apart from applications detailed above other important application fields can be envisaged. In particular, we will speculate on its possible use to confirm/establish 'reference value s' of trace element content in 'normal' populations and so to help to diagn ose health and disease status, related with trace element total content or their speciation in clinical specimens. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.