Polyethylene powder microcolumn for protein separation prior to HPLC plasma analysis. Application to the determination of copper and zinc Three different types of polyethylene powder (PE) were investigated with regard to their ability to adsorb proteins, with the goal of accomplishing plasma deproteinization for further HPLC analysis. Best results were obtained with ultrahigh molecular mass polyethylene The proteins retained by the PE powder were washed out of the column with methanol followed by water. A chromatographic system with the PE column as pre-column was set up for the determination of copper and zinc in plasma. The plasma sample was injected into the chromatograph, and, on passage through the pre-column, the proteins were adsorbed onto the PE. While a protein-free eluate was being sent to the analytical column, by switching the pump channels the pre-column was being flushed with methanol and water to elute the adsorbed proteins. After washing, the pre-column was conditioned with the eluent to receive the next sample. Copper and zinc determination was performed by HPLC with photometric detection after post-column derivatization with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR). The results, compared with those from flame atomic absorption spectrometry, showed that zinc can be determined by direct injection of the sample, but copper only after dilution. As the copper recovery from undiluted samples was about 65%, it was probably retained together with the proteins. However, on previous dilution of the sample with the eluent (acidic solution of lactic acid) the copper recovery reached 100%. The proposed method is suitable for the HPLC determination of copper and zinc in plasma samples without further sample treatment, in about 30 min.