ICP-MS and ICP-OES Testing Services

With rapid advancements in technology and industry, elemental analysis has become crucial for ensuring product quality, safety, and environmental monitoring. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) are widely utilized methods in elemental detection, finding applications across environmental protection, biomedical sciences, food safety, and materials science. As a leading provider of analytical testing services, MtoZ Biolabs is committed to delivering efficient and accurate ICP-MS and ICP-OES Testing Services, enabling precise qualitative and quantitative elemental analyses.

 

Technical Principles

ICP-MS technology introduces samples into high-temperature inductively coupled plasma, ionizing the elements, which are then analyzed based on their mass-to-charge ratio. This method offers exceptional sensitivity and precision, with detection limits reaching ppt (ng/L), making it suitable for ultra-trace elemental analysis.

 



Cherevko, S. et al. Curr. Opin. Electrochem. 2023.

Figure 1. A Simplified Scheme Showing the Basic Operational Principles of ICP-MS

 

ICP-OES technology excites elements at high plasma temperatures, causing them to emit characteristic wavelengths. Elemental analysis is performed by detecting these emitted spectral lines. ICP-OES provides rapid analysis, simultaneously detecting multiple elements with detection limits typically at ppb (µg/L) levels, making it ideal for analyzing higher-concentration elements and quickly screening large sample sets.

 



Cherevko, S. et al. Curr. Opin. Electrochem. 2023.

Figure 2. A Simplified Scheme Showing the Basic Operational Principles of ICP-OES

 

MtoZ Biolabs employs state-of-the-art instruments from renowned brands such as Agilent and Thermo Fisher, ensuring reliable, stable, and highly efficient testing services.

 

Analysis Workflow

MtoZ Biolabs offers clear and efficient ICP-MS and ICP-OES testing workflows, consisting of:

1. Sample Preparation: Clients follow MtoZ Biolabs' comprehensive sample submission guidelines to ensure representative and accurate samples.

2. Sample Pre-treatment: Samples undergo rigorous pre-treatment procedures (such as acid digestion and dilution) in specialized laboratories to ensure effective element extraction suitable for analytical requirements.

3. Instrumental Analysis: Prepared samples are analyzed using ICP-MS or ICP-OES, with methods selected based on specific sample characteristics.

4. Data Analysis and Reporting: Analytical data is collected, calibrated, quality-controlled, and processed through professional software to generate detailed, easy-to-interpret reports.

 

Service Advantages

MtoZ Biolabs' ICP-MS and ICP-OES testing services offer notable advantages:

1. High Precision and Sensitivity: ICP-MS detection limits reach ppt levels for ultra-trace element analysis; ICP-OES offers rapid, simultaneous multi-element detection.

 

2. Multi-element Detection Capability: Capable of simultaneously analyzing dozens or even more elements, significantly improving analytical efficiency.

 

3. Extensive Detection Range: Analysis covers metals, non-metals, rare-earth elements, and other regular or specialized elements.

 

4. Rigorous Quality Control: Utilizing international Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) and robust internal quality control processes to ensure accuracy, reliability, and traceability.

 

5. Expert Technical Team: Experienced analysts and technical staff ensure standardized procedures and professional data interpretation.

 

Applications

ICP-MS and ICP-OES technologies have diverse applications, particularly suited for:

1. Environmental Monitoring and Management: Precise detection of heavy metals and trace pollutants in water, atmospheric particulates, and soil, aiding environmental remediation and regulatory compliance.

 

2. Food Safety Analysis: Rapid screening and precise quantification of heavy metal residues in food and agricultural products, ensuring food safety and compliance.

 

3. Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Research: Analyzing elemental content in biological samples (e.g., blood, tissues, cells), supporting fundamental research, diagnostics, and drug development.

 

Case Study

1. A Preliminary Study of the Concentration of Metallic Elements in the Blood of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis as Measured by ICP-MS

 



de Oliveira M, et al. Sci Rep. 2020.

Figure 3. Concentration Levels (Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni and Pb) Between the Patients and Control Group

 

2.Simultaneous Elemental Analysis by ICP-MS/OES

 



Wu, X. et al. Microchem. J. 2017.

Figure 4. Simultaneous Determination of Fe by MS and OES

 

FAQ

Q1: What are the differences between ICP-MS and ICP-OES?

A1: ICP-MS offers higher sensitivity, suitable for trace-level analysis; ICP-OES is preferable for rapidly analyzing higher-concentration elements.

 

Q2: How long does sample analysis take?

A2: Typical turnaround is 7-15 working days after sample receipt, depending on sample volume and element complexity.

 

Q3: What precautions should be taken when submitting samples?

A3: Clients should follow MtoZ Biolabs' detailed sample submission guidelines carefully to prevent sample contamination and cross-interference.

 

Q4: What information is included in the analysis report?

A4: Reports include sample information, analytical methods, results, detection limits, quality control data, and expert data interpretation recommendations.

 

Q5: Can unconventional element detection be performed?

A5: MtoZ Biolabs provides customized services for unconventional element analysis based on extensive experience.

 

MtoZ Biolabs consistently focuses on client needs, providing reliable and efficient ICP-MS and ICP-OES Testing Services. We offer high-quality, precise elemental analysis solutions, enabling clients to achieve outstanding results in research, quality control, and regulatory compliance.