| Abstract: | Abstract The analysis of cobalt in whole blood and blood fractions has been carried out using three different analytical techniques namely, electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and cathodic stripping voltammetry. This study showed that inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was the better equipped technique for conducting such analyses due to its low detection limits and wide linear dynamic range. The results ranged between 0.7 - 2.62 μg/l for plasma, 1.02 - 2.31 μg/l for serum, and 0.66 - 1.28 μg/l for whole blood. The introduction of different forms of cobalt to Wistar rats resulted in a differing distribution of the element between serum and whole blood. This observation suggests that there are at least two modes of Co uptake and transport depending on the administered or taken chemical form. |
