The estimation of magnesium in small biological samples by flame spectrophotometry

ABSTRACT

Studies of human magnesium in this laboratory called for a simple method of estimating the magnesium comtent of large numbers of small biological specimens (Montgomery, 1960). It has been found that a technique involving the Unicam S.P. 900 flame spectrophtometer fulfils this need. Estimations have been made on serum, red cells, urine, and acid digests of muscles and faeces. A standard instrument was used, burning acetylene and air, with a new standard atomiser containing a metal jet. Readings were made at the atomic line of 285.2mu (AU)