Determination of platinum in human blood using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with an ultrasonic nebulizer

A rapid and accurate method for the determination of platinum in human plasma by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with an ultrasonic nebulizer is proposed. The emission lines at 214.423 and 265.945 nm were investigated showing that the 214.423 nm line is the most sensitive and reliable for measuring platinum concentrations of as little as 20 mu g l(-1) (ppb) in biological materials. Microwave digestion for mineralizing human blood sample matrices was used and the possible influence of the concentration of HNO3 on platinum emission lines was investigated. Finally, the platinum concentration was determined in whole human blood, in platelets and in other blood components. Two equivalent methods for the isolation of protein from the platelet-poor plasma were investigated. The proposed method offers relative simplicity of sample pre-treatment and lends itself to various routine biological studies.