Uncertainty evaluation in the analysis of biological samples by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Part B: measurements of As, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sn and V in human serum

Abstract

This protocol was developed to estimate the uncertainty of measurements in the sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of As, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sn and V in human serum by utilizing in-house validation data. The approach is outlined in the Eurachem/Citac Guide and other relevant publications. The results generated were the followings: (i) coefficients of regression >0.9995 over two orders of magnitude of metal concentration; (ii) method quantification limits between 0.05 µg/L (Cr, Mn) and 0.49 µg/L (As); (iii) mean trueness checked against a certified reference material between 95.4% (As) and 107.7% (Ni); (iv) repeatability better than 10.2% over the range 0.1-2.0 µg/L; (v) reproducibility better than 12.0% over the range 0.1-2.0 µg/L; and (vi) expanded uncertainty budget comprised between 14.7% (Mn) and 27.9% (Cr) over the range 0.1-2.0 µg/L.