Some aspects of specimen collection and stability in trace element analysis of body fluids

Analyses for trace elements in biological fluids are uniquely susceptible to extreme errors unless special precautions are taken during collection, storage, and analysis. The integrity of the specimen may be compromised before it is analyzed, by contamination during collection and processing or by attenuation of the analyte concentration during storage. If this happens, determined values are not valid even though the method of analysis is extremely sensitive and highly accurate. Obstacles to obtaining precise and accurate analytical data arising from these factors are discussed. We consider control procedures applicable at all stages for ascertaining the sources of error and eliminating them.