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Method validation for a multi-element panel in serum by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Kamisha L Johnson-Davis1, Candice Farnsworth2, Christian Law2
1Department of Pathology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
Clinical Biochemistry
|May 15, 2020
Summary
This study validates a new laboratory test for measuring seven essential and non-essential elements in serum. The method accurately quantifies trace and toxic elements, aiding in diagnosing nutritional deficiencies and metal toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Laboratory testing is crucial for diagnosing metal toxicity and nutritional deficiencies.
- Essential and non-essential elements can pose health risks at elevated concentrations.
- Understanding elemental levels in serum is vital for patient health assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a new method for quantifying seven elements in human serum.
- To establish a reliable tool for assessing nutritional status and potential toxicity.
- To support biological monitoring of trace and toxic elements.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were diluted with a solution containing iridium (internal standard), Triton X-100, and nitric acid.
- Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for quantitative elemental analysis.
- A collision cell with helium gas was employed to minimize polyatomic interferences.
Main Results:
- The analytical measurement range was established for each of the seven elements.
- Imprecision was less than 20% coefficient of variation (CV) at the lowest limit of quantification.
- Accuracy was within ±15% for all measured elements.
Conclusions:
- The validated ICP-MS method accurately quantifies seven elements in serum.
- This multi-element panel is suitable for biological monitoring.
- The method effectively assesses nutritional deficiency and toxicity in patient specimens.
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