Determination of 60 elements in whole blood by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A method is described for the determination of 60 elements in whole blood, using a double-focusing ICP-MS instrument. Microwave-assisted digestion in low-volume PFA vessels resulted in 10-fold sample dilution. External calibr ation with matrix-matched standards was used for quantification. Different factors affecting detection limits are discussed. The performance of the me thod for the determination of environmentally relevant concentrations was e valuated using a whole blood reference material and intercomparison samples . Owing to high instrumental detection power and low preparation blanks, 57 elements could be detected in the bovine whole blood reference material (I AEA A-13). Trace element leaching from commercially available blood samplin g tubes made of glass was shown to be a serious contamination factor. Conce ntrations obtained for three calf blood samples taken under 'metal-free' co nditions are presented.