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Calibration of analytical methods using laser ablation for sample introduction is often problematic. The availability of matrix-adapted standard materials is a crucial factor in the analysis of biological samples in particular. In this work a method for preparation of thin-film references for LA-ICP-MS is presented which is inexpensive, relatively simple and generally practicable. Aqueous solutions of agarose spiked with defined amounts of the analytes were cast on a carrier and then dried. When the thin-film references were characterized the average thickness of the films was 0.03 mm in the centre of the film and the relative standard deviation was 8%. Nebulization ICP-MS analysis after acid digestion of the agarose film was used to investigate the effectiveness of the spiking procedure. Recovery of the spiked elements was frequently in the range 90-110% (for rare earth elements 97-102%). Laser ablation ICP-MS analysis was used to investigate the distribution of the spiked elements in the film. When the laser was scanned across the gel the measured intensities were not constant, but had a peak-shaped profile with a flat top. Use of this flat-top region for analytical purposes, after its characterization by laser ablation ICP-MS, is proposed. Analysis of cell cultures was carried out by direct laser ablation-ICP-MS with the calibration method described. The results were in accordance with values previously achieved by nebulization ICP-MS.

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