Measurement of Lead in Blood and Urine by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Abstract

Abstract An extraction method for the estimation of lead in red cells is given. The method avoids both acid digestion and/or protein precipitation. It is extremely simple and reliable, and can easily be performed by technicians. A technical error of 4.5 v.g lead per 100 ml of red cells has been obtained. The use of red cells instead of whole blood provides a more accurate measure of exposure to lead as the lead is concen¬trated within the red cells. Normal and toxic ranges are given. As it is frequently required to monitor the lead excretion of patients receiving chelates for therapy, a method for the analysis of urine specimens from patients on this therapy is given.