A simple, rapid method for simultaneous determination of multiple elements in serum by using an ICP-MS equipped with...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Accurate elemental analysis in human serum is crucial for health assessment.
• Existing methods may face challenges with matrix interference and polyatomic interferences.
• A need exists for sensitive, rapid, and precise analytical techniques for serum elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for quantifying 23 elements in human serum.
• To assess the method's accuracy, precision, linearity, and detection limits.
• To apply the method to analyze serum samples from a specific population.

Main Methods:

• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed.
• Serum samples were diluted and analyzed using helium gas for kinetic energy discrimination to mitigate interferences.
• Internal standards (Sc, In, Y, Tb, Bi) were used for correction.
• Method validation included linearity, limit of detection, precision, and recovery studies.

Main Results:

• The method demonstrated excellent linearity (coefficient of determination ≥ 0.9996) for all 23 elements.
• Limits of detection ranged from 0.0004-0.2232 µg/L.
• Intra- and inter-day precision were below 12.19%, with recoveries between 88.98-109.86%.
• Analysis of reference materials showed satisfactory results, with most elements within certified ranges.
• The method successfully analyzed 1000 serum samples, consuming only 60 μL per sample.

Conclusions:

• The developed ICP-MS method is simple, rapid, accurate, and effective for analyzing 23 elements in human serum.
• The method provides reliable elemental quantification with high sensitivity and precision.
• This technique is suitable for large-scale epidemiological studies, such as the Henan Rural Cohort, to assess elemental status in populations.