Reference values for trace and ultratrace elements in human serum determined by double-focusing ICP-MS

Reference values for trace and ultratrace elements concentrations in health y human serum, measured by double-focusing inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), are presented. Blood donors from Asturias (Spain) we re selected as the reference population (n=59). Blood samples were collecte d, after donation, taking the necessary precautions to avoid contamination. All subjects analyzed had normal renal function and nutritional status, as shown from their creatinine and albumin levels. A total number of 14 eleme nts (Al, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu,, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Pb, and U) were monit ored almost simultaneously. Serum samples were diluted 1+4 with ultrapure w ater and matrix interferences were corrected using Sc, Ga, Y, and TI as int ernal standards. Fe, Cu, and Zn were also determined by isotope dilution an alysis (IDA). Reference trace element concentrations intervals observed containing 95% of the reference distribution after excluding outliers are presented. Fourtee n serum samples from hemodialysis patients were also analyzed for compariso n. High levels of Al, Cr, Sr, Mo, Mn, Pb, U, Co, and Cu and low levels of F e, Zn, and Rb were found in the serum samples from hemodialysis patients co mpared to the corresponding reference values observed in this work.