Treatment of non-invasive biological matrix samples for screening determination of major and trace elements by inductivity coupled plasma mass spectrometry
The determination of major and trace elements in non-invasive biological matrix (i.e. human hair, breast milk, meconium, and urine) is potentially useful for assessing an individual's health status and monitoring occupational and environmental exposure [1-3]. On the other hand, owing to the lack of standardised biological matrix analysis procedures (including sample treatment methods), it is difficult to compare and interpret the results (intervals and reference values) from different studies and reach significant conclusions.