Concentrations of the elements AI, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and V were investigated in the International Biological Standard (IBS) of Bowen, by means of atomic-absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace. An established wet-ashing method with concentrated sulphuric acid and hydrogen peroxide was applied. For each element, a temperature programme for the graphite furnace was worked out. The influence on the absorbance of the matrix elements Ca, K, Na, P and S was tested. Considerable interferences were found in determinations of lead and vanadium.