ICP-MS: Mass Spectrometry and Trace Element Analysis

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS)

ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) is the most sensitive method of multi-element analysis. It allows dozens of chemical elements to be determined simultaneously at trace and ultra-trace concentrations (ng/L). In clinical chemistry and toxicology, ICP-MS is used to determine heavy metals and trace elements in body fluids.

Principle of the Method

The sample is introduced into an argon plasma at a temperature of about 6000–10000 K, where the substance is atomized and ionized. The resulting ions are directed into a mass analyzer, which separates them by mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and counts the number of each isotope.

Key instrument components:

Sample introduction system — nebulizer and spray chamber
Inductively coupled plasma — ionization source
Interface and ion optics — transfer of ions into the vacuum
Mass analyzer — quadrupole, time-of-flight or sector field
Detector — electron multiplier

ICP-MS vs. ICP-OES: What Is the Difference?

Parameter	ICP-MS	ICP-OES
What is measured	Ions by m/z	Light emission
Detection limits	ng/L (ppt)	µg/L (ppb)
Isotope analysis	Yes	No
Operating cost	Higher	Lower
Best for	Ultra-trace analysis	High concentrations

ICP-MS is chosen when maximum sensitivity and isotope determination are needed, and ICP-OES for routine elemental analysis at higher concentrations.

Clinical and Toxicological Applications

Toxicology — lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic in blood and urine
Trace elements — selenium, zinc, copper, manganese
Monitoring — metal levels in patients with joint replacements
Pharmacology — platinum-based drugs
Environment and food safety — contamination control

To eliminate polyatomic interferences, modern instruments use collision/reaction cells (KED, DRC), which improves the reliability of results in complex biological matrices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ICP-MS differ from AAS?

AAS typically determines one element per measurement, whereas ICP-MS determines dozens of elements simultaneously and with much lower detection limits.

What is a collision cell?

A device that eliminates polyatomic interferences using a gas (He, H2), which improves analytical accuracy in complex matrices.

When should you choose ICP-OES instead of ICP-MS?

When you work with relatively high element concentrations and ultra-low detection limits are not required, ICP-OES is less expensive to operate.

Selecting an ICP-MS System or Elemental Analyzer

KombiMED GmbH is an independent procurement and market access partner for laboratory equipment from Europe. We will help you select an ICP-MS or ICP-OES system for your laboratory's needs and provide delivery, commissioning and staff training in Central Asia, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, the Baltics, the Middle East and North Africa.

See also:

Analytical Methods in Clinical Chemistry — overview
Mass Spectrometry: How It Works
Electrochemical Methods and Ion-Selective Electrodes
Emission spectrometers (ICP) — catalog
Contact KombiMED — equipment selection