Determination of gold in separate protein fractions of blood serum by carbon furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry

Abstract

Simple and rapid procedures are described for the determination of gold in protein fractions of blood serum from patients undergoing chrysotherapy. Separation of proteins is achieved by electrophoresis, gel chromatography and, for albumin only, precipitation. Gold concentrations in the protein fractions are determined by carbon furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry using either direct insertion of sections of electrophoretic strips or the solutions resulting from the other separation procedures. Results from the different separation processes are used to obtain a more detailed analysis and to confirm the accuracy of each procedure, with particular respect to possible re-distribution or loss of gold during the separation process itself.