title: Sample contamination as a source of error in trace-element analysis of biological samples.
abstract: Trace-element levels estimated by different investigators are often disparate. It is becoming increasingly evident that sample contamination may explain some of the discrepancies. A method has been developed for the direct estimation of potential errors. This shows that extraneous additions occurring during sample collection and preparation may give rise to grossly misleading results on subsequent analysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hospital of the University of Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Versieck
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barbier
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cornelis
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hoste