Abstract
The various methods of atomic spectroscopy that can be used for biomedical applications are summarized. These include primarily flame atomic absorption spectroscopy but other techniques such as flame atomic emission spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry can be used. Sample preparation methods are also reviewed. The main applications are the determination of many essential trace and bulk elements from a wide range of sample matrices such as tissues and their extracts, and biofluids such as blood, serum, urine and saliva. © 1999 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.