Determination of strontium in human whole blood by ICP-AES

The determination of strontium in human blood samples by ICP-AES is described. For the analysis no chemical separations were required after microwave destruction. A mean value of 11.4 +/- 0.83 micrograms/l is found for normal whole blood. The limit of detection of the method is 0.3 microgram/l. As a possible application the enhancement of the strontium level in blood of human beings who died from drowning is examined.