Analysis for potassium in human erythrocytes by use of a standard-additions method and an ion-selective electrode

A method based on standard additions to the sample was used to measure potassium (K+) in human erythocytes with an ion-selective electrode. A computer program was developed for rapid analysis of data obtained with the electrode. The analysis takes into account factors such as temperature that may affect electrode behavior. Results obtained by the method agree with those obtained by flame-emission spectroscopy. The coefficient of correlation between the two methods is 0.96. Our method is simple and rapid. The computer program is applicable to other analyses with ion-selective electrodes.