Biomaterial Database

Trace metal determinations in blood obtained in evacuated collection tubes. 1979

D M Williams

Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, we determined levels of iron, copper and zinc in serum or plasma samples collected in acid-washed containers and in commercially available evacuated tubes including one model equipped with rubber stoppers prepared by a process which reduces zinc contamination of the rubber. Serum or plasma from all evacuated tubes yielded iron and copper values which were comparable to those from serum obtained in acid-washed glass. Zinc values were higher from all evacuated tubes than from acid-washed glassware. Values obtained from samples collected in the specially-prepared tubes were 10% higher than values obtained from samples collected in acid-washed glassware. Thus, the specially-prepared evacuated tubes may only be useful in large-scale clinical screening studies. Traditional blood collection methods for zinc determination should be used when accuracy is required.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007501	Iron	A metallic element with atomic symbol Fe, atomic number 26, and atomic weight 55.85. It is an essential constituent of HEMOGLOBINS; CYTOCHROMES; and IRON-BINDING PROTEINS. It plays a role in cellular redox reactions and in the transport of OXYGEN.	Iron-56,Iron 56
D001800	Blood Specimen Collection	The taking of a blood sample to determine its character as a whole, to identify levels of its component cells, chemicals, gases, or other constituents, to perform pathological examination, etc.	Blood Specimen Collections,Collection, Blood Specimen,Collections, Blood Specimen,Specimen Collection, Blood,Specimen Collections, Blood
D003300	Copper	A heavy metal trace element with the atomic symbol Cu, atomic number 29, and atomic weight 63.55.	Copper-63,Copper 63
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013054	Spectrophotometry, Atomic	Spectrophotometric techniques by which the absorption or emmision spectra of radiation from atoms are produced and analyzed.	Spectrophotometry, Atomic Absorption,AA Spectrophotometry,AE Spectrophotometry,Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry,Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry,Atomic Spectrophotometry,Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry,Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy,Spectrophotometry, Atomic Emission,AA Spectrophotometries,AE Spectrophotometries,Absorption Spectrophotometry, Atomic,Emission Spectrophotometry, Atomic,Spectrophotometries, AA,Spectrophotometries, AE,Spectrophotometry, AA,Spectrophotometry, AE
D015032	Zinc	A metallic element of atomic number 30 and atomic weight 65.38. It is a necessary trace element in the diet, forming an essential part of many enzymes, and playing an important role in protein synthesis and in cell division. Zinc deficiency is associated with ANEMIA, short stature, HYPOGONADISM, impaired WOUND HEALING, and geophagia. It is known by the symbol Zn.