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Published on: September 5, 2010
Silicon analysis in biological specimens by direct current plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy
1National Medical Services, Inc., Willow Grove, PA 19090.
Abstract:
A method for the determination of total elemental silicon concentrations in biological fluids by direct current plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (DCP-AES) is presented. The method is linear up to 30 micrograms/mL in blood, serum, plasma, and urine, with a detection limit of 0.2 microgram/mL. Population ranges of silicon concentration in blood, plasma, serum, and urine were found to be less than 0.3 to 33 micrograms/mL, less than 0.4 to 39 micrograms/mL, less than 0.2 to 68 micrograms/mL, and less than 0.3 to 180 micrograms/mL, respectively. Over 50% of all measured concentrations were less than 0.5 microgram/mL for blood, plasma, and serum. Estimates of "normal" population ranges are reported, and potential applicability of this procedure to silicone-related maladies is discussed.
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