Abstract
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), an analytical technique used for determining mineral and metal content in dissolved samples. This method was developed specifically for saliva and measures 10 analytes of interest [Li, Cr, Co, Mn, Hg, Pb, As, Cu, Ni, Zn] using a Perkin Elmer Avio 200. We are interested in how factors such as processing method or number of freeze thaws affect the 10 analytes and what the limits of detection and quantification are for this method. For most metals (exception Hg), concentrations were consistent with what was expected and differences in saliva sample collection, handling, and storage appear to be negligible. Detection limits were excellent and calculated to be sub 1 µg/L for most metals with heavy metals having the poorest detection limits of the panel. Limits of quantification for most analytes are 1µg/L and the heavier metals range 2.5-5µg/L. These data suggest the measurement of many elements in saliva is feasible and detectable at low concentrations. Integrating salivary measurements of elements into studies of human health and development has the potential to advance our understanding to new limits.
Corresponding Author:
Andrew Huang
Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine
Sponsor: Douglas A. Granger, MA, Ph.D., Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine