Trace and Toxic Elemental Testing in the Clinical Laboratory

Abstract

Elements present in relatively low concentrations are identified as “trace” and are further classified as essential or non-essential. Determination of trace element concentrations in biological matricies is useful for identification and monitoring of several treatable deficiencies. Trace element analysis is also important for identification and monitoring of disease resulting from chronic elemental accumulations and potentially toxic exposures, such as through an occupational or environmental setting. Because some trace elements are prevalent in our environment, special pre-analytical and analytical precautions must be taken to minimize specimen contamination and falsely elevated results. Selection of the appropriate specimens and analytical tools is necessary for maximizing clinical utility of trace element analysis.