ICP MS
Agilent 7850 Single & 8900 Tandem ICP-MS
Powerful Elemental Analysis
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) facilitates the measurement of elemental cations in solution at the ultra-trace level. This technique provides quick answers to the composition of samples – the instrumentation we employ uses kinetic energy discrimination to resolve polyatomic isobaric interference with sub ppb sensitivities.
Both ICP-MS and ICP-MS/MS provide a good overview of the elemental composition of solutes within an aqueous or organic sample with ultra-trace sensitivity and excellent analytical resolution – the instrumentation we use has a linearity of 9 orders of magnitude. For speciation analysis, ion chromatograph systems can be used in conjunction to enable quantification sequentially using time-resolved data aquisition on the ICP-MS.

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To attain the highest levels of sensitivity for ultra-trace elemental analysis Artemis Labs uses a range of Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) techniques depending on the complexities of the sample matrices presented and required selectivity. All our analytical methods are validated in terms of accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), selectivity, recovery and ruggedness. We pride ourselves on reporting results to a level that is at least twice the LOQ for routine assays.
How Does ICP MS Work?
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS) is a powerful analytical technique that combines the benefits of plasma-based ionization and mass spectrometry for ultra-trace elemental analysis. It is particularly effective for detecting and quantifying elements in a variety of sample types, including aqueous solutions, solids, and even gases.
The process begins with sample preparation, where the sample material is dissolved or introduced directly into the system. For liquid samples, a nebulizer converts the liquid into an aerosol, which is then carried by argon gas into the spray chamber. From there, the aerosol enters the argon plasma, a highly energized state of matter created by an ICP torch. The argon plasma reaches temperatures of up to 10,000 K, efficiently ionizing the elements in the sample by stripping away their electrons.
The resulting positive ions, also called analyte ions, are directed into the mass spectrometer through a series of specialized components, including a skimmer cone and ion optics. These components focus and guide the ions, filtering out unwanted species such as polyatomic ions, which can cause interference in the analysis. The ions are then passed into the mass analyzer, where they are separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio.
One of the key advantages of ICP-MS is its ability to measure a wide range of elemental concentrations, from major components to trace levels in the sub-parts-per-billion (ppb) range. This high sensitivity makes it an essential tool for applications requiring precise detection limits, such as environmental testing, food safety, and industrial quality control. The versatility of ICP-MS extends to quantitative analysis, where the technique provides accurate measurements across multiple elements simultaneously. For more complex samples, advanced features like internal standards and collision/reaction cells help reduce interference and improve accuracy.
By integrating complementary techniques such as gas chromatography or ion chromatography, ICP-MS can also be used for speciation studies, offering insights into the chemical forms of specific elements. Whether analyzing solid samples, solutions, or trace ions, ICP-MS delivers unmatched performance, making it one of the most relied-upon analytical techniques in modern science.
Additional ICP MS Information
How does ICP-MS/MS work?
First, the argon plasma ionises the sample, converting atoms into ions. These ions are filtered by the first quadrupole to select a specific mass-to-charge ratio. Next, within the reaction cell, ions are reacted with a gas such as oxygen before being mass separated again in the second quadrupole and then sent to the detector. This differs from a normal ICP-MS in that it has tandem quadrupoles for extra selectivity.
What elements can be detected using ICP-MS/MS?
ICP-MS can detect most elements in the periodic table, typically ranging from lithium to uranium. It is highly effective for trace elements, including metals, metalloids, and some non-metals. This technique can also isotopes of the same element, making it valuable for isotope ratio analysis. Its ability to resolve interferences ensures reliable detection even for elements with complex spectra, such as arsenic or and selenium. It can also be used for speciation analysis when coupled to an ion chromatograph, including chromium (Cr (III) and Cr (VI)) and arsenic (As (III) and As (V)).
How can inferences be overcome using ICP-MS?
When measuring analytes in complex isobaric matrices, ICP-MS/MS provides the additional level of selectivity required. Using the reaction cell, the interfering matrix is reacted with gas, enabling on-mass measurement of the analyte. Alternatively, depending on the chemistries of the analyte and matrix, it may be possible to react the analyte with the reagent gas enabling a mass shift measurement of the analyte’s respective oxide.
What types of samples are appropriate for ICP-MS?
Samples can include ground water, river water, and process water, plus solids such as soils and sludges. When sampling it is important the sample is stabilised in an appropriate contaminant-free container and processed as soon as possible, we then acidify and filter aqueous samples for analysis of dissolved cations. If total digestion is required we employ a variety of acid digestion techniques using hot plate and microwave digestion. All sample preparation and extraction techniques are assessed for recoveries and we matrix match our standards where it is practicable.
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We offer method validation as required, including report writing and data interpretation once the analysis is completed.