Determination of bismuth in blood and urine

Abstract

Bismuth is determined in blood and urine by means of atomic-absorption spectrophotometry following generation of bismuth hydride from a wet-oxidised sample. Recoveries are shown to be satisfactory, and the detection limit using analytical-reagent grade reagents is less than 0.01 µg ml^–1.

The direct determination of bismuth in urine by means of hydride generation has been investigated, and it is shown that there is severe suppression and poor recovery.