Automated determination of copper in undiluted serum by atomic absorption spectroscopy

An injection method has been adapted for the determination of copper concentration in untreated, undiluted serum by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum, 50 or 100 microliter, is automatically injected by a commercial microprobe system into a plastic cone connected to the capillary tube of the burner, at a rate of 240 samples per hour. The required sample volume is considerably decreased, and sensitivity is increased 20- to 40-fold. After 500 measurements we observed no memory effects, carryover, or clogging of the burner. We discuss common difficulties with calibration standards due to viscosity and other physicochemical interferences, and suggest the use of pooled human serum as a secondary standard. Within-run CV was 1.8%, the day-to-day CV 2.2%. Comparison with a dilution method gave a correlation coefficient exceeding 0.98.