Determination of trace gold in human serum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with vanadium-coated graphite tube

Aim: To develop a new method for the determination of trace gold in human serum. Methods:In the acidic medium, gold and thio-michler′s ketone(TMK)can form a stable complex. After extracted by isoamylalcohol, the organic phase was injected directly. The trace gold in human serum was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with the vanadium-coated graphite tube.Results: The detection limit of gold was 1.8×10 -12 g. The recovery rate was between 92.6% to 103.5%. The standard deviation of 10 μg/L gold was 2.9%. Conclusion: This method can be used to analyze the trace gold in human serum, and the result is satisfactory.