Contamination from Syringes and Blood Container Pots in Trace Element Analysis

Abstract

Syringes, blood container pots and test tubes have been investigated to determine whether they act as sources of contaminants during trace element analyses. Urine containers were investigated to decide which materials do not absorb mercury from dilute solutions.

No copper and little magnesium contamination was found. Zinc contamination was unpredictable. Very large amounts of zinc leached from the rubber end cap of the piston of disposable, plastic sterile syringes.

The B.S.I. Standards for disposable syringes were shown to be unacceptable for heavy metals.