Determination of copper in blood serum by direct current plasma and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

Methods are described for the determination of copper in serum at normal levels (1 µg ml^–1), by direct current plasma (DCP) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). A comparison was made of calibration strategies employing matrix-matched standards and aqueous standards using modified instrumental parameters. It was necessary to adopt the matrix matching procedure when using DCP-AES in order to ensure accurate results. However, using the proposed ICP-AES method, the sample was diluted ten-fold with distilled water and analysed using standard solutions for calibration. The precision of the ICP method was found to be approximately 2% relative.