4-aminopyrrolidine-2-4-dicarboxylic-acid and thiocyanic-acid

Problems and possibilities of the determination of Co in serum and urine samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) are described. Optimal instrumental parameters as well as a suitable atomizer, calibration procedure and hydrogen peroxide as modifier are proposed for direct ETAAS measurement of Co in serum and urine. The detection limit achieved was 0.1 microg L(-1) for both matrices and relative standard deviations varied in the range 5-20% depending on the Co concentration in the sample. Validity of the method was verified by the analyses of standard reference materials. For serum samples with a Co content lower than the detection limit, a separation and preconcentration procedure based on liquid/liquid extraction is suggested prior to determination of Co in the organic phase by ETAAS. This procedure permits determination of 0.02 microg L(-1) Co in serum samples with a relative standard deviation of 10-18%.

Topics: Calibration; Cobalt; Humans; Indicators and Reagents; Proline; Quality Control; Regression Analysis; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Temperature; Thiocyanates