Résumé
Objective To investigate the measurement of serum calcium by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and to validate the method for use as a candidate reference method. Methods Serum was diluted by 50 fold with 50 mmol/L hydrochloric acid containing 10 mmol/L LaCl3 and analyzed for calcium on an AA 6800 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Dilution solutions and FAAS conditions were optimized and the performance of the method was evaluated. Results The method showed within-run, between-run and total CVs of 0. 31%～0.38%, 0.16%～0.30% and 0.35%～0.49%, respectively, and analytical recoveries ranging 98.9%～101.1%. No significant interferences were detected. Conclusions A FAAS method for the measurement of serum calcium has been established. The method is simple and accurate and may be used as a candidate reference method for serum calcium.