A Simplified Method for Plasma Zinc Determination by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Abstract

A modified method is described for zinc determination in plasma by atomic absorption spectrophotometry using the Boling three-slot burner. Accurate analysis for the element was accomplished after merely diluting the plasma with deionized water (1 part plasma to 1 part water). Sample preparation time was thus greatly decreased. It was found that standards made up in water resulted in an error of 33%. However, standards prepared in 3% dextran solution gave results similar to those obtained with trichloracetic acid filtrates and water standards. Dextran was found not to be contaminated with zinc. The recovery of zinc added to plasma averaged 98.9%. Because of the simplicity of the method, sources of error and possibilities for contamination were reduced.