Clinical applications of HPLC–ICP-MS element speciation: A review

•The chemical speciation of elements in clinical samples by HPLC–ICP-MS is explored.•The link between toxicology and the chemical species of As, Se & Hg is highlighted.•Detailed tables are provided covering previous research on As, Se & Hg speciation.

Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se) and Mercury (Hg) are three trace elements that have been the subject of much analytical discussion and investigation over the last three decades. While Selenium (Se) is among the list of essential trace elements necessary for the regulation of metabolic processes and overall health, As and Hg are not, and have been the centre of various cases surrounding the contamination of food, water and the environment.The focus of this review is to explore the area of chemical speciation, particularly as it relates to the measurement of these elements in various clinical matrices by HPLC–ICP-MS. This review will highlight the importance of accurately identifying the various chemical species of each of these elements, especially when considering their respective toxicological impacts on human health.

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