Detection & elimination of preanalytical errors in the determination of zinc in biological samples.

Exogenous contamination poses a major problem to accurate determination of trace metals in biological samples. Analysis of these elements in biological material entails adoption of special precautionary measures. In this study we have assessed the various procedural steps of sampling and analysis of zinc in order to identify and minimize extraneous contamination in the laboratory. In addition we have established reference limits (2 SD) for zinc in human plasma, erythrocytes and hair.