ICP-MS is the synergistic combination of an ICP with a mass spectrometer. ICP Testing offers the benefits of speed of analysis along with the lowest detection limits to laboratories performing trace metal determinations.
Before we move on to the features of this method, you should first know what exactly it is and how it works. So you will be able to determine its effectiveness for your purpose, which is high in most cases. Let’s begin with the crucial details on ICP-MS Testing.
Understanding ICP Testing
ICP analysis stands for Inductively Coupled Plasma Analysis. Under this method, a sample gets examined for the trace amounts and significant concentrations of a number of components present in it.
Here, either a liquid compound is taken, or a solid sample’s digestion takes place first. After that, the fine droplets of the liquefied sample get vaporised with the help of a plasma torch. Finally, all the elements of the compound get quantified using ion mass or atomic emission. The choice of ion mass or atomic emission depends on the selected ICP testing method.
Most people nowadays prefer to go for the ICP-MS testing method due to its high efficiency for detection. In it, the ICP testing gets coupled with mass spectrometry analysis for better results. Out of the available two options, the technique utilises ion mass for quantifying the elements. We have mentioned here a few features offered by the process over other ways of sample analysis.
ICP-MS Efficiency
The detection limits at or below parts per trillion (ppt) range are achievable with ICP-MS. Therefore, ICP/MS services are able to quantify even the excessively tiny elements present in the given sample. Plus, the technique is much faster than AAS and graphite furnace AAS for determinations of multiple elements per sample. As many as 85 elements in a sample can be analysed in 2-3 minutes, making ICP-MS testing quick and highly effective for the purpose.
Due to all these offered benefits and features, ICP/MS services are preferred over alternative methods by most industry people.
Applications of ICP-MS Testing
The primary use of ICP analysis is seen in the pharmaceuticals or forensics domain. They order reliable ICP testing labs for metal assay or toxicity detection in their products. Therefore, making the stocks safe for patients’ consumption. Otherwise, people may suffer from problems like heavy metal poisoning, herpetological trouble, and metabolic issues. Forensics mostly opt for this technique for glass analysis, as the process can find out all the trace elements present on glasses without any hassle.
However, these are not the only use cases of ICP Testing. Industries, municipalities, or individuals also utilise the method for applications, such as water testing. Clinical samples, soils, wastewater, seawater, and other material can be analysed with the technique, as well.
ARBRO: Offering ICP Testing Labs
Our laboratory is equipped with a Perkin Elmer DRC-e model ICP-MS along with dynamic reaction cell, which completely eliminates interferences thus providing ultra-trace detection capabilities even in difficult matrices such as wastewaters, soils, seawater and clinical samples.
Further, for sample preparation, the laboratory is equipped with a Microwave Digestion system allowing complete and reproducible sample digestion which is critical for the elemental analysis in complex matrices.
The facility has been needful for analysis of wide-ranging samples such as Ayurvedic products, foods and natural products such as milk, honey, drugs and drinking water.
Why Choose Us?
With a number of options in hand, you may think “why us”. But with the trust and efficiency offered by us with our ICP analysis, there is no way you can look out for anyone else. Plus, we have successfully developed and validated methods for quantification of inorganic impurities in a number of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Formulations as per USP 231, 232, 2232 and ICH guidelines.
Our team has experience in conducting numerous method development and validation studies for elemental impurities in drug product and drug substances for leading pharmaceutical companies. Please feel free to contact us through the contact form or call us now on +91-11-45754575.
