Alkali dilution of blood samples for high throughput ICP-MS analysis-comparison with acid digestion

The results suggest that the alkali dilution method is suitable for the determination of Li, B, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb and Sr in whole blood and serum; Mo, Cd and Pb in whole blood; and Sb in serum by ICP-MS. Acid digestion is preferred for Fe and for low concentrations of Cs.