Improved determination of aluminum in serum by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry

This method for determining aluminum in human serum involves electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A longer drying time allows less pre-dilution of the sample, and the method also includes a flush cycle after atomization. Standard-addition methodology is used to eliminate matrix effects and the need for a standard curve. We used this method on serum from 50 normal persons and from 34 patients with chronic renal failure who were on long-term intermittent hemodialysis. The mean normal serum aluminum concentration was 6.1 micrograms/L (CV 2.7%), and values for the patients ranged from 13 to 475 micrograms/L.