Comparative evaluation of the dinitrogen oxide-hydrogen flame for the analysis of clinical samples

Abstract

An evaluation of a nitrogen-separated dinitrogen oxide-hydrogen (N₂O–H₂) flame for clinical analysis by both atomic fluorescence and emission spectrometry is described. When supported on a capillary burner this flame exhibited a large background emission in the spectral range 180–600 nm. Although flame noise was higher for this flame compared with an air-acetylene flame, the detection limits were adequate for the determination of major elements of clinical importance. Notably, the N₂O–H₂ flame gives improved sensitivities for calcium and magnesium, with a marked reduction in flame scatter effects. It also has potential for analytical atomic fluorescence but is not appropriate for routine spectrometric analysis.