ICP-MS standards are materials used by lab technicians to help identify trace elements and to ensure your ICP spectroscopy analysis is completely accurate. By using this calibration system, it will be easier to predict trace materials in chemical samples and biological fluids both quantitatively and qualitatively. That’s why it's crucial that you always adhere to ICP-MS standards to ensure that your machine produces reliable results.
What are inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS)?
Plasma mass spectrometers use a range of standardized materials to help distinguish elements from each other. When combining the spectrometer with calibrated materials, you will find that both the energy and mass of the particles can be detected. Standard materials can include:
- Aluminium standard in 5% Nitric acid
- Antimony standard in 10% Hydrochloric acid
- Zirconium standard in 10% Hydrochloric acid
Of course, these are only a few examples of the standard materials that can be used in an ICP-MS instrument. It is essential to choose the correct ICP standard to achieve dependable results. Spectrometers take a liquid sample and nebulize it. This turns it into an aerosol spray which travels through a high-temperature coil to create argon plasma. Plasma causes ionization of the elements in the sample, which are then extracted via the interface.
The electrostatic lens focuses the ions into a beam, which then enters the mass analyser. It is here that the ions are separated based on their mass-charge ratio, enabling the detector to identify each ionic group of elements.
Why are ICP-MS standards important?
ICP-MS systems are precise measuring tools that are extremely important for calibrating spectrometer systems. Your machine’s accuracy can be affected due to a variety of reasons. For instance, false readings can come from the internal environment due to its mechanical operating and monitoring system, as well as contamination from spray production.
The analyte can also be affected by both the matrix effect and drift errors without a standardization process. Overall, the outcome of the analysis will be affected by these factors magnifying or reducing the signal produced, leading to invalid results.
Your ICP-MS standard can be run at the same time as the analyte sample, counteracting these effects. Therefore, a ratio will be produced, creating accurate results in the process.
Interference & ICP-MS Standards
If you want accurate standardization, you will need to be consistent in your approach. ICP-MS standards will help you remove any interference that could end up tainting your results. Make sure to always use the same concentration of your sample throughout your experiment. That way the ICP-MS software will produce error-free data through the calibration curve, including:
- Quantitative analysis
- Semi-quantitative analysis
- Isotope ratio analysis
- Isotope dilution analysis
Do you need ICP-MS standards?
ICP-MS standards are there to help lab technicians calibrate their plasma mass spectrometers to analyze both single elements and multi-elements. If you do this, you will be able to preserve the integrity of your data. To find out more about our suite of ICP-MS standards and other products, get in touch with us today.