Matrix modification for furnace atomic absorption spectrometric determination of arsenic in whole human blood

A method for the determination of arsenic in whole human blood is presented. To decrease the matrix effects from this complex sample, the blood was prediluted with a matrix modifier solution. The modifier solution contained a surfactant, Triton X-100, which homogenized the sample and allowed accurate pipetting by an autosampler. The modifier also contained nickel nitrate which stabilized the arsenic and allowed ash temperatures of 1400 degrees C without loss of the arsenic. The method exhibited a sensitivity of 5 micrograms/L (concentration/1% absorption) which was sufficient for the forensic evaluation of elevated arsenic levels in the blood.