A Direct Method for Quantification of Lead and Cadmium Content in Biological Fluids of the Human Reproductive System

The aim of this work was to quantify lead and cadmium content in follicular fluid and sperm from couples under in vitro fertilization therapy after developing a procedure for direct determination of such metals in those matrices by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a minimum sample pretreatment, using palladium/magnesium as chemical modifier. Samples were diluted and a particular temperature program for each analyte was followed. Several variables such as pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, diluent and dilution proportion, and modifier mass and linearity were studied in order to achieve optimal conditions. Methodologies took into account sensitivities and sensitivity ratios aiming for lower limits of detection (3σ) and quantification (10σ) and no matrix effects. Calibration against matrix matched solutions was mandatory for both matrices and metals. Accuracy of the results was verified by analysis of standard reference materials for lead and cadmium in blood and serum as well as in-ho...