Flameless atomic absorption spectrometry determination of gallium in biological materials.

The application of flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry to the quantitation of gallium in urine, serum and tissues is described. The method can be used to detect gallium concentrations as low as 100--200 ppb in fluids and tissues. Significant interference with the gallium atomization signal was caused by CaCl2; however, the interference could be completely prevented by using the chelating agent EDTA. This method makes feasible the quantitative determination of the pharmacokinetic parameters of gallium administration as an anticancer drug in animals and humans.