ABSTRACT
A blood sample placed on filter paper can be analyzed for lead by the Delves Cup Method (DCM). DCM, forerunner of modern graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, decomposes the sample by placing it within the flame, which releases the sample cloud in a quartz or ceramic tube. The results of the DCM are complicated by a double peak consisting of a smoke peak followed by a lead peak. DCM, however, does have a number of advantages, and acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrometers operated by trained personnel are still quite common in clinical laboratories. The DCM is an inexpensive, fast, and uncomplicated method for the analysis of blood lead levels. A Perkin Elmer Model 460 atomic absorption spectrometer, with a lead element tube, at 283 nm was coupled to a Fisher Recordall Series 5000 stripchart recorder at the 10 mV output of the spectrometer.
