Last Updated on August 10, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
Everything in the world is made up of elements. Many industries and companies use them to provide services and products for people.
Of course, analysts would want and are required to deliver accurate results and data in working with these elements. With Agilent ICP MS Instrument, it can be made possible for them to do so. Continue reading to know more about the instrument.
Table of Contents
What Is It For?
Analysts perform ICP-MS or Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry technique to determine what kind of element something is made of. It is fast and can measure almost all elements.
It is usually used to examine liquid samples or anything that can dissolve. But, it can also work on organic solvents and discover nanoparticles. ICP-MS can also analyze solids and gases by connecting them to accessories to enable direct examination.
You can also gain information on various chemical species of the sample’s elements. Plus, individual isotopes of the elements can be measured and separated, allowing them to be used in applications where isotopes are abundant.
Industries That Use It
ICP-MS is used for monitoring, product testing, safety application, and research of different industries like:
- Pharmaceutical and Medical
- Environmental and Natural Resource
- Food
- Nuclear and Metallurgy
- Petrochemicals and Nanotechnology
Certainly, it is used by almost every industry, tailored for their needs. Different companies popularly use it because of its low detection limit feature that can pinpoint elements equivalent to a drop of water. No other technique has this, along with the bonus of a broad elemental and measurement range.
How The Instrument Works
The instrument uses argon plasma converted into ions, directly measured in a mass spectrometer. It can analyze more than one element in a sample. ICP-MS is also a better option for trace element analysis because of its lower detection limits.
Additionally, the mass spectrometer scans the ion source through a detector and quadrupole mass filter. MS works in a vacuum chamber, meaning the instrument has a vacuum pump and interface. Ion lenses are also used in the system to focus the ions.
Also, ICP-MS systems usually have a mechanism to solve disturbances in the spectrum.
ICP-MS Instrument Components
To further understand the process done by the ICP-MS instrument, know that it works through eight main components. They are as follows:
1. Sample Introduction system that forms Aerosol
2. Plasma ion source
3. Interface of vacuum where ions can be extracted
4. Separation and focusing of the ions through the ion lens
5. Collision
6. Mass Spectrometer used to filter ions by mass
7. Electron detector
8. Data processing
Analyzing Data From ICP MS Instrument
Data from the ICP-MS instrument are measured quantitatively. Curves in the calibration are obtained to convert analyte counts into a concentration.
Then, isotopes are diluted to get the most accurate quantitative results. The analysis is different because the quantification and standardization are done in one experiment only. Also, the result comes in ratio form, making it more precise and convenient.
Strengths Of the Instrument
Generally, ICP-MS provides you with various benefits that make work in the lab faster and easier. Its advantages include its capacity to analyze most elements in the periodic table. Also, it produces high sample throughput and results even at low sample volumes.
Meanwhile, to be specific, the Agilent ICP-MS instrument also has its particular strengths. Some of them are the following:
1. Counters and sensors are present to determine whether it needs maintenance.
2. It offers reduced time for sample preparation.
3. You can control and set up sample batches through your mobile devices using ICP Go.
4. There is a flexible configuration as it can be conveniently connected to accessories.
5. Lessens data review times by emphasizing results that already failed in the examination requirements.
The Agilent ICP-MS instrument has two variations: triple quadrupole and single quadrupole configurations.
Final Thoughts
In today’s fast-paced times, the efficiency and performance of lab tools and equipment provide convenience for analysts. It allows them to deliver high-quality results.
With the Agilent ICP-MS instruments, working inside the laboratory becomes more trouble-free. It comes, of course, with the assurance of precision. It is versatile and extensive because it can detect even the littlest samples.
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