Validation of the methodology for measuring mass concentrations of chemical elements in blood by mass spectrometry method with inductively coupled plasma

Introduction. Identification of beryllium, cobalt, arsenic, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, antimony, and lead levels in biological media is necessary for controlling health of both general population and production workers.

Aim. To validate author’s methodology MUK 4.1.3230–14 due to its modification for measuring mass concentrations of beryllium, cobalt, arsenic, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, antimony, and lead in blood, which is not included into the certified area for the methodology application.

Materials and methods. Measurements were accomplished using the Agilent 7900 quadrupole ICP mass spec instrument (Agilent Technologies, USA) equipped with the octopole reaction system (ORS). Blood samples were prepared by acid decomposition in closed tubes in the HotBlock heating system at +90 °C for 80 minutes until homogenization was reached.

Results. Internal standards for each analyte were selected by experiments; calibration dependence was shown to have linearity; laboratory accuracy and precision were assessed. The following limits of detection (LOD) were established: beryllium, 0.0019 µg/L; cobalt, 0.00015 µg/L; arsenic, 0.0003 µg/L; molybdenum, 0.00059 µg/L; cadmium, 0.00015 µg/L; tin, 0.0006 µg/L, antimony, 0.00009 µg/L; lead, 0.0003 µg/L. The range of measurements in blood was 0.7–100 µg/l for beryllium with 15% inaccuracy; cobalt, 0.05–100 µg/L with 13% inaccuracy; arsenic, 0.1–1000 µg/L with 13% inaccuracy; molybdenum, 0.2–500 µg/L with 9% inaccuracy; cadmium, 0.02–100 µg/L with 9% inaccuracy; tin, 0.2–500 µg/L with 10% inaccuracy; antimony, 0.03–100 µg/L with 10% inaccuracy; lead, 0.1–1500 µg/L with 16% inaccuracy.

Limitations. Methodology MUK 4.1.3230–14 is limited to the determination of 9 elements in the blood (vanadium, chromium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, selenium, strontium, thallium). It was necessary to prove the acceptability of the method for determining beryllium, cobalt, arsenic, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, antimony, and lead in blood.

Conclusion. The validated methodology has been proven to be eligible for selective measurement of mass concentrations of beryllium, cobalt, arsenic, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, antimony, and lead in blood with acceptable analytical values simultaneously with chemical elements (vanadium, chromium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, selenium, strontium, and thallium) already covered by the methodology MUK 4.1.3230–14.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study does not require the submission of the conclusion of the Biomedical Ethics Committee.

Contributions:
Nurislamova Т.V. – study concept and design;
Stenno Е.V. – writing and editing the text;
Nedoshitova А.V. – spectral analysis of samples;
Veikhman G.А. – statistical data analysis, writing the text;
Gileva К.О., Sukhikh Е.А., NIkolaeva А.Е. – sample preparation and data analysis.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: April 21, 2025 / Revised: June 11, 2025 / Accepted: June 26, 2025 / Published: August 20, 2025

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