Determination of vanadium in biological fluids using HR-ICP-MS

A simple, fast and sensitive method is described for the determination of vanadium in biological fluids using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). Samples were diluted 20-fold in 0.3% HNO3. Spectral interference from 35Cl16O+, present in urine or serum matrices, was completely resolved from the vanadium major isotope of 51V+ at medium resolution of 4000. Quantitation of V in urine and serum was achieved by the method of additions using standards prepared in a pooled urine or serum sample. Mass offset and lock mass (40Ar16O+) options were employed for more accurate and precise results. Better than 2.0% RSD was obtained with a 200 pg ml 121 V spike added to a 20-fold diluted urine or serum matrix, reflecting one day stability. Vanadium concentrations in the range of <10 to 1500 pg ml 121 and