[Instrumental analysis of trace elements].

The study of trace elements in human medicine and toxicology requires very low concentration of these elements to be determined in biological matrices. Among the analytical methodologies of major impact there are isotopic dilution mass spectrometry, neutron activation analysis, anodic stripping voltammetry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and electrothermal atomization atomic emission spectrometry. This last, in particular, provides high sensitivity and reliability for the determination of numerous elements. Instrumental and methodological improvements leading to these achievements include the adoption of the so-called stabilized temperature platform furnace, the introduction of universal matrix modifiers, oxygen charring steps and background correction systems based on the Zeeman effect.