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The application of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to multielement analysis in fingernail and toenail as biological indices for metal exposure is presented. The ICP-MS measurements were performed using a Thermo Elemental X7CCT series. Fingernail specimens were obtained from 130 healthy volunteers, and paired fingernail and toenail samples from 50 additional healthy volunteers of both sexes were collected as well. After warm water and acetone decontamination, 20 mg fingernails and toenails were acid mineralized after a decontamination procedure, and 32-34 elements were simultaneously quantified after acid dilution following water calibration. Li, Be, B, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, Ba, La, Gd, W, Pt, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, and U could be validated in fingernail and toenail samples. Linearity was excellent, and the correlation coefficients were above 0.999. Quantification limits ranged from 0.04 pg/mg or ng/g (U) to 0.1 ng/mg or microg/g (B). Because of the lack of available certified nail reference material, an adequate quality assessment scheme was ensured by comparison with an interlaboratory nail-testing procedure, and the results showed optimal consistency for elements tested. Results are presented and compared with published multielement data. Six cases of domestic exposure to lead were diagnosed based on fingernail analysis. Application of ICP-MS multielement analysis in fingernail and toenail as a biomarker of metal and nonmetal exposure permits greater noninvasive control of industrial, domestic, or environmental exposure and is very useful for epidemiological studies.

Abstract: Over the past decade great progress has been made in metals and metalloids analysis. This analysis is a basic stage in toxicity assessment and is indispensable in achieving a realistic evaluation of substance toxicity. A recently introduced technique, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is progressively replacing atomic absorption. This analysis permits multi-elementary determinations, approximately 30 elements, with an optimal gain in sensitivity in many biological matrices: i.e. whole blood, plasma, urine, hair, nail, biopsy samples. Moreover, this method allows semiquantitative determination with an additional 30 supplementary elements, which enables the toxicologist to sufficiently estimate the toxic levels and metal exposure. The authors demonstrate that the ICP-MS could be very useful for a wide range of clinical applications. Furthermore, this procedure offers new exploration possibilities in various fields such as clinical toxicology, forensic toxicology as well as work place testing or environmental exposure and permits epidemiologic studies. This analytical method in fact also provides a new scientific approach. To our knowledge we are the first to propose: the metallic profile. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]