This analytical technique is considered to be a robust partner for elemental analysis and can be validated to measure all elements in the periodic table. Elemental analysis testing is essential as it includes testing for toxic as well as nutritional elements, whose deficiency or toxicity can cause multitude of adverse health conditions.
Principle of Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
This technology couples use of an ICP with MS for elemental analysis by generation of ions. The ICP is involved in generation of a high temperature plasma source at 10,000 degree Celsius, through which the pre-treated sample is passed. The elements in the sample at such high temperature are ionized and directed further into the MS. The MS then sorts the ions according to their mass/charge ratio followed by directing them to an electron multiplier tube detector. This detector then identifies and quantifies each ion.
The advantages include sensitivity and precision for its ability to quantify elements in any source like blood, serum, urine, water, etc.
With such a wide spectrum of testing being possible with high throughput platforms, these become a desirable addition for growing laboratory players. The analyzers in our floor which aid in elemental testing include:
- iCAPTM Q ICP-MS [Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.]
- Agilent 7700 [Agilent Technologies]
