ICP-MS works by atomizing samples using argon plasma, detecting isotopic elemental concentrations using a hyperbolic quadrupole mass spectrometer, and then comparing sample concentrations to appropriate elemental standards.

 

Detection limits for most naturally occurring elements are in the parts per billion (ppb) and parts per trillion (ppt) ranges, enabling analysis of trace elemental content and of concentrated samples. Hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, and noble gases are not detectable; please refer to Available Services for details on the elements that interest you. 

 

To learn more about the analysis, please see ICP-MS as a Technique, or discover the expanded capabilities gained from pairing the instrument with chromatography in HPLC-ICP-MS.