What Do Ratio, DL, and BEC Mean in ICP-MS Trace Element Analysis
In ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) trace element analysis, "Ratio," "DL," and "BEC" are key terms. Below are their definitions:
1. Ratio
In ICP-MS analysis, the ratio typically refers to the signal of a specific element in a sample relative to the signal of an internal standard. The internal standard is an element of known concentration added to all samples and standards to correct for potential signal fluctuations during sample preparation or analysis. Using ratios helps minimize sample-to-sample variations, improving accuracy and reproducibility.
2. Detection Limit (DL)
The detection limit is the minimum concentration of an element that can be detected under specific analytical conditions. It is typically defined as three times the background noise (3σ). This parameter determines the lowest concentration that can be reliably measured by the method.
3. Background Equivalent Concentration (BEC)
BEC refers to the "hypothetical" element concentration corresponding to the signal generated by instrument background noise in the absence of the target element. It is used to assess measurement accuracy, indicating how much element concentration the instrument may falsely report in a blank sample.
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