OBJECTIVETo establish a method for simultaneous determination of 54 elements in whole blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

METHODSThe whole blood sample was digested with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a water bath at 90°C, and then analyzed by ICP-MS with 0.1% ethanol as an matrix-matching agent.

RESULTSA good linear relationship was achieved when the concentrations of the 54 elements in whole blood were in the standard range (all r >0.999). The recovery rate of the sample plus the standard was between 80% and 106%, and the relative standard deviation was less than 5%. The standard material of whole blood was determined and the results met the certification requirements.

CONCLUSIONThe method is simple, rapid, sensitive, and accurate. It is applicable for simultaneous determination of multi-elements in a large number of whole blood samples.

Blood Chemical Analysis ; methods ; Humans ; Mass Spectrometry