The detection limits for ETV ICP AES determinations of Sc, Y, La and Yb with PMBP as a chemical modifier are 14, 32, 190 and 26 pg/mL. The relative standard deviations were 3.1%, 3.5%, 4.8% and 3.4% for Sc, Y, La and Yb, respectively ( n =9, c =10 ng/mL).