title: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for trace element analysis in the clinical laboratory.
abstract: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a relatively new technique for trace element analysis. The basic operating principles of ICP-MS are described and our experience with this technique in a clinical setting is discussed for the analysis of serum, whole blood, and urine. Advantages to ICP-MS include the favorable detection limits (0.01 to 0.1 micrograms/L for many elements), simple specimen preparation, high throughput (about 40 specimens per hour), and the ability to measure more than one element simultaneously. A major disadvantage is the high capital cost of the instrumentation. Heavier elements, such as lead, are well-suited for ICP-MS analysis, whereas lighter elements are prone to more interferences. Lighter elements which are not amenable to assay by ICP-MS include chromium and iron. The ability to measure isotopes is a major advantage for mass spectrometry methods and has the potential to expand the usefulness of trace element analysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84108, USA.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Nuttall
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: K O
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Ash
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007554:Isotopes; D008297:Male; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012016:Reference Values; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D007554:Isotopes; D014131:Trace Elements