Serum aluminium measurement by DC plasma emission spectrometry

A serum aluminium assay has been established using a DC plasma emission spectrometer and calibration with serum based standards. The assay is linear between 0.20 and 18.0 mumol/L aluminium. The procedure gives good analytical recovery and precision. The assay was validated by comparison(s) with an electrothermal atomic absorption (ETAAS) procedure which showed good agreement. Serum aluminium concentrations have been compared in normal individuals, in undialysed chronic renal failure patients with or without aluminium hydroxide treatment, and in dialysed patients treated with oral aluminium hydroxide. Non-dialysed patients had higher serum aluminium concentrations if treated with aluminium hydroxide. Haemodialysis patients had the highest serum aluminium concentrations whilst those on peritoneal dialysis had levels similar to those of the non-dialysed chronic renal failure group.