Iron Interference in the Measurement of Selenium in Whole Blood, Plasma and Serum by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption

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Abstract
Selenium is considered to be a trace element and the determination of diagnostic levels are most conveniently measured in blood, plasma or serum in humans and animals. The approach that is taken varies according to laboratory preferences. One such method involves the use of Graphite furance Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS). The simplicity of diluting the sample followed by direct determination without further preparation is the most attractive characteristic of this method, coupled with good sensitivity. Proper precautions must be taken however, including that of choosing the proper instrumental parameters for the analysis. If deuterium background correctiopn is used then then analyses should be carried out at the 204.0 nm line of Selenium. By using a matrix modifier consisting of Cu/Mg, deuterium background correction and off the wall of the graphite tube atomization, the determination of the analyte was demonstrated to be possible at the mentioned wavelength, free from iron interference present in the samples.