Evaluating the efficacy of the VAMS Mitra microsampler for whole blood trace element analysis

Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) is a blood sample collection method proposed as an alternative to venipuncture for metals/elements biomonitoring. However, the microsampler background concentration of metals and small blood volume remains critical limitations, particularly for metals or trace element analysis in environmental health and epidemiological research.

Trace element analysis was performed to measure metal concentration in blood samples collected via VAMS and venipuncture using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). VAMS blanks showed elevated background concentration, and cleaning was attempted using a multi-step cleaning protocol. Detection limits and efficacy of background concentration reduction were evaluated.

Initial analysis showed elevated background metal concentrations in the VAMS blank samplers, at or exceeding levels found in venous blood samples. VAMS blank with background concentration post-cleaning result indicated reductions in concentration for some metals; however, the concentration for most detected metals remained persistent.

The efficacy of VAMS in environmental health and epidemiological biomarker research demonstrates both the promising potential and limitations, and the effectiveness of a rigorous cleaning protocol in reducing or eliminating background metal concentrations on microsampler tips.