Determination of metals in biofluids and tissues: Sample preparation methods for atomic spectroscopic techniques

Several sample preparation methods unique to each instrumental technique exist for the elemental analysis of biological specimens, but no review or book has dealt with them. The present review is an attempt to fill this void and focuses on sample preparation methods unique to atomic and X-ray spectroscopic techniques. The techniques covered are: flame and electrothermal AAS, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) since these are most commonly used in trace element analysis of biological materials. The intent is not to present the procedural details for the various tissues or elements, but rather to highlight the methods which are unique to each instrument. The bibliography accompanying this review should aid the analytical chemist in his/her search for the detailed preparation protocols.