Evaluation of automatic probe atomization for determination of elements in urine and whole blood by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A procedure is described for the determination of Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb in Seronorm and Lanonorm reference materials and clinical samples. Accurate analyses of diluted specimens were achieved against aqueous standards. The use of high atomization temperatures (2400–2750 °C) minimized chemical interference from matrix components. High temperatues also improved the characteristic mass of Ga for probe electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, but caused a reduction in the sensitivity of Pb due to increased diffusional loss effects. The relative standard deviation values reported for Cd in human urine (1.1–7.6 µg dm–3) were mostly