K, Ca, Mg, and Zn in platelets, as determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with use of a sealed decomposition bomb and discrete nebulization.

In this new method for precise and accurate determination of K, Ca, Mg, and Zn in platelets, small amounts of platelets, prepared by differential centrifugation and cell washing, are decomposed in a homemade mini-vessel, a sealed Teflon bomb. The metal ions in the decomposed sample are measured by atomic absorption spectrometry with discrete nebulization. Overall, CVs ranged from 0.8 to 4.8%. We investigated sex-related differences (none were found) and intra-individual variations.