Trace element analysis in hair: factors determining accuracy, precision, and reliability.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Biomedical Science

Background:

• Trace element analysis in biological samples has advanced significantly due to instrumentation like inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
• Human scalp hair analysis has benefited from these technological improvements.
• Previous studies highlighted inter-laboratory variations in trace metal hair testing, necessitating standardization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate that adherence to good laboratory practices yields precise, accurate, and reliable trace element results in hair.
• To present a methodology for establishing reference ranges for hair analysis.
• To provide specific data on an analytical method for trace element determination in hair.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of prescribed clinical quality control measures.
• Method validation and proficiency testing.
• Utilizing split sampling and adhering to good laboratory practices.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that good laboratory practices lead to precise and accurate trace element measurements in hair.
• Established a method for creating reliable reference ranges.
• Provided analytical data confirming the validity of the hair testing method.

Conclusions:

• Measuring trace elements in human scalp hair can be analytically valid when employing robust quality control.
• Standardization and adherence to good laboratory practices are critical for inter-laboratory comparability.
• The study validates a comprehensive approach to hair analysis for trace elements.