Abstract: GF-AAS was applied to the determination of lead and cadmium in Kuhuang injection and its raw Chinese traditional medicines.The sample was digested with conc.HNO3 and H2O2.The working conditions of the instrument,including the wavelength,width of spectral band,ashing temperature,and ashing temperature,were studied and optimized.Citric acid was selected as matrix modifier.Samples of Chinese rhubarb,capillary artemisia,bilter ginseng,root of Chinese thorowax and “Kuhuang” injection were analyzed for their lead and cadmium contents,and RSD′s less than 4.4% were found.Recovery tested by the standard addition method gave values in the range of 96% to 110.0%.