Determination of trimethyllead salts in blood using high-resolution gas chromatography-graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

A method for the determination of trimethyllead salts in human blood samples is described. The method is based on extraction, evaporation and butylation, followed by determination using combined high-resolution gas chromatography and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. A detection limit of 0.003 µg ml^–1 in blood and good reproducibility and linearity within the analytical range required for real samples are obtained. This method, in combination with a previously presented method for the determination of tetramethyllead in blood, affords a procedure for biological monitoring of occupational exposure to tetramethyllead.