Dialysis solutions, metal analysis

Metal Analysis of Infusion and Dialysis and Bio-Monitoring Solutions... 

Electrolytic solutions used for extra-renal infusion and dialysis contain metal chlorides of Na, K, Ca and Mg salts at concentrations that are critical for effective treatment. These solutions also contain dextrose, citrate and lactate additives as part of this special formulation. The analysis for these metals must be precise and accurate and this can be achieved with ICP-OES using yttrium or scandium as internal standard to correct for matrix affects. The method of standard addition may also be used with similar success but is a more tedious method. The ability to dilute the sample several fold due to the high concentrations of metals reduces/eliminates the effect of EIE (easily ionised elements) caused by other elements in the same solution. The dilution and the ease of detection and corrections with an internal standard using the multi-element capability make this an excellent method. 

The analytical measurement of elemental concentrations is important for the analysis of the major and minor constituents of pharmaceutical products. The use of atomic spectroscopy in this regard has been the subject of several reviews (2,3,35,36). Metals are major constituents of several pharmaceuticals such as dialysis solutions, lithium carbonate tablets, antacids, and multivitamin-mineral tablets. For these substances, spectroscopic analysis is an important tool. It is indispensable for the determination of trace-metal impurities in pharmaceutical products and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of metals, essential and toxic, in biological fluids and tissues (37). Beyond this, several drugs which do... 

Sodium and potassium levels are difficult to analyze by titrimetric or colorimetric techniques but are among the elements most easily determined by atomic spectroscopy (2,38) (Table 2). Their analysis is important for the control of infusion and dialysis solutions, which must be carefully monitored to maintain proper electrolyte balance. Flame emission spectroscopy is the simplest and least expensive technique for this purpose, although the precision of the measurement may be improved by employing atomic absorption spectroscopy. Both methods are approved by the U.S. (39), British (40), and European (41) Pharmacopeias and are commonly utilized. Sensitivity is of no concern, due to the high concentrations in these solutions furthermore, dilution of the sample is often necessary in order to reduce the metal concentrations to the range where linear instmmental response can be achieved. Fortunately, the analysis may be carried but without additional sample preparation because other components, such as dextrose, do not interfere. 

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