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Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the problems of determination of lead in whole blood (PbB) as it is considered to be the best indicator of current lead exposure in humans and mammals. The techniques and problems of lead determination in other biological matrices, such as teeth, bones, plant, and animal tissues are also reviewed. The determination of PbB is of prime importance with respect to the diagnosis of lead poisoning and to the assessment of hazardous conditions, both in occupationally exposed people and in the general population. Blood contains lead in three forms: a major fraction bound to erythrocytes; a protein-bound fraction in plasma; and a diffusible fraction that represents the metabolically active form of circulating blood. The PbB level as an index of the absorbed amount of lead depends on a variety of environmental factors as well as biological factors. The correct performance of PbB determination must include the correct sampling of blood; and an internal and external quality control within each set of PbB determinations. The methods used to provide accurate and precise PbB determinations in routine use include anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV), flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS), discrete sampling FAAS, and graphite furnace AAS (GF-AAS). |
