The need to update reference values for lead in Zaragoza, Spain.

Stricter regulations and controls for environmental lead have resulted in significantly lower frequency and reduced severity of chronic and acute lead intoxication. The aim of the present study was to update established reference ranges for lead in whole blood of healthy adults residing in Zaragoza and its region in northeastern Spain. The mean blood level was 2.

Updating of normal levels of copper, zinc and selenium in serum of pregnant women.

Selenium, copper and zinc status is important in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to establish updated normal ranges for these elements in serum of pregnant women from the Spanish region of Aragon, and to study variation in levels with respect to gestational period and maternal age. The study group consisted of 159 pregnant women who did not suffer from serious pathologies.

Validation of determination of lead (Pb) in blood by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) on the basis of interlaboratory comparison data.

ISO 15189 standard establishes a requirement to periodically revalidate analytical methods for the determination of trace elements like Pb in blood, as conditions change and technical advances are made. The aim of this study was to revalidate an electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) method for determination of Pb in blood over the microrange 25-35 microg/dL, on the basis of historical results of interlaboratory comparison programmes. Precision and inaccuracy were estimated by analysis of records of an external quality control programme for Pb (PICC-PbS).