Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 31th March 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies and Shimadzu and other document by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Enhanced RoHS Compliance Testing with Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=5800+ICP-OES&amp;sources=GCMS_EN-ICPMS_EN">5800 ICP-OES</a></h3>Accurate measurement of multiple elements including Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg in plastic materials<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_rohs_compliance_testing_5800_icp_oes_5994_8252en_agilent_d8b5f5a791.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The volume of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide. Over 62 million tonnes was generated globally in 2024.1 However, only a small fraction of this waste is properly recycled, contributing to environmental pollution and the loss of valuable materials. To address this issue and to improve the safety of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), the EU first introduced the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive in 2003.2 By restricting the use of specific hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and certain flame retardants, RoHS helps ensure that products are safer for both consumers and the environment.3 As the design, type, and production of EEE evolve, ensuring compliance with RoHS regulations becomes increasingly challenging for manufacturers, importers, and distributors. Plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchlorate (PVC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), are often used in EEE because of their unique properties and cost-effectiveness.4 Manufacturers must rigorously test these materials using advanced analytical techniques to detect and quantify restricted substances, ensuring compliance with the stringent limits set by the directive. Among these techniques, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is one of the most effective tools for analyzing elements in plastics in accordance with RoHS regulations.5&nbsp;This application note describes a RoHS-compliant testing method for the multi-elemental analysis of plastics using an Agilent 5800 Vertical Dual View (VDV) ICP-OES. The methodology includes detailed procedures for sample preparation of a PE Certified Reference Material (CRM) and two real-life plastic materials used in EEE, instrument parameters, and performance evaluation. Quantitative results for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) are presented. The data set demonstrates the suitability of the method for supporting manufacturers in achieving RoHS compliance with a high level of efficiency and accuracy.<h4>Results and discussion</h4><h5>Sample analysis – spike recovery and precision&nbsp;</h5>Spike recovery tests in a sample matrix are an effective way to evaluate the reliability of the sample preparation and/or analytical methods, especially when suitable CRMs are unavailable. In this study, in addition to the analysis of the CRM, two real-life samples (A and B) were analyzed using the 5800 VDV ICP-OES. The measured concentrations of the analytes and spike recovery results are shown in Table 6. The spike recoveries for all analytes were within 94 to 108%, except for Sn in sample A, which had a spike recovery of 88%. This lower recovery could be due to the high measured concentration of Sn in sample A.&nbsp;However, the recovery of Sn in the CRM was 104%, assuring the method’s accuracy. The %RSD of the spike recovery measurements (n=3) was used to evaluate the method’s precision. As shown in Table 6, the spike recovery RSDs were ≤2.3% for all nine analytes in both samples A and B. This method validation data confirms the effectiveness of the microwave digestion sample preparation procedure for these materials. The results also demonstrate the excellent reproducibility and reliability of the 5800 VDV ICP-OES method for the analysis of complex plastic matrices.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The Agilent 5800 VDV ICP-OES was used for the quantitative analysis of nine elements including RoHS-specified elements, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg, in plastics that are typically used in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The samples included a plastic-based CRM (ERM-EC 681, polyethylene) and two real-life plastic matrices used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. A one-stage microwave digestion sample preparation procedure ensured the complete digestion of these tough thermoplastic materials, facilitating accurate analysis by ICP-OES.&nbsp;The 5800 ICP-OES demonstrated outstanding sensitivity, accuracy, and stability, making it a reliable solution for EEE manufacturers required to comply with RoHS or equivalent testing standards. The Intelligent Rinse software feature of Agilent ICP Expert Pro streamlined operations by automatically adjusting rinse times based on user-defined thresholds, saving time and resources, and lowering the overall costs of analysis. This study highlights the 5800 ICP-OES instrument’s capability to deliver precise and consistent results, supporting the industry’s need for rigorous and reliable RoHS compliance testing.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Simultaneous Multi-Element Analysis of Farmland Soil ExtractsUsing the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=ICPE-9820&amp;sources=ICPMS_EN">ICPE-9820</a>&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00815_en_bd40243933.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits:</h4><ul><li>The ICPE-9820 can quickly analyze farmland soil for multiple elements simultaneously.</li><li>The ICPE-9820 can analyze high matrix samples without dilution, such as farmland soil solution extracts.</li></ul>Since soil contains constituents essential for crop growth that affect yield and quality, there is increasing demand for soil testing to help maintain optimum concentrations of soil constituents. Soil testing can determine the concentrations of these constituents and then create an optimized fertilization regimen to adjust them. Elemental analysis in soil testing is typically performed with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). However, as soil testing becomes more common, there is a growing demand for faster soil analysis.&nbsp;The ICPE-9820, an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES) offers a wide dynamic range and can analyze multiple elements simultaneously. Soil testing analyzes soil for a large number of elements, and the ICPE-9820 can perform extremely efficient analyses that measure major and trace constituentssimultaneously.&nbsp;In this Application News, the ICPE-9820 analyzed farmland soil solution extracts for exchangeable constituents, available boron, trace elements and cadmium. And a spike recovery test and a dilution test were then performed to validate this analytical method.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>In this Application News, the ICPE-9820 and extraction reagents normally used in soil testing were used to analyze three farmland soil solution extracts for exchangeable constituents, available boron, trace elements and cadmium. The results from validation testing show the analytical method was accurate. Using an axial view and radial view of plasma for different purposes allowed major constituents and trace constituents to be measured simultaneously without diluting samples for individual target analytes.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Driving productivity through reliable analysis with reduced complexity</h3><ul><li>Other document (case study)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/cs_003220_tea_icp_ms_icap_mx_series_element_cs003220_na_en_b888bf9432.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Element Material Testing Group is one of the world’s leading providers of testing, inspection, and certification. Element offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of materials testing services available in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector that covers materials selection, application, and performance testing as well as failure analysis testing services. With over 9,000 employees and 270 laboratories, Element is providing their services worldwide to 55,000 customers working in diverse sectors including aerospace, energy, environmental, industrials, and life sciences.&nbsp;The Element Edmonton laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited, specializing in inorganic analysis. With three <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=228&amp;manufacturerItems=3">ICP-MS</a> and five<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=251&amp;manufacturerItems=3"> ICP-OES</a> systems, it analyzes for inorganic metals in soils and waters. Typical clients come from different industries such as oil and gas, construction, agriculture, municipal drinking water, and many more.&nbsp;Alexsandra Robert is a senior scientist who has been working with the company for 20 years, with over 15 years of experience with ICP analysis. ICP-MS analyses performed at the Edmonton facility are primarily testing for heavy metal contaminant levels in soil and water. “As the primary production lab for Element in Alberta, we currently analyze over 40,000 soils and 15,000 waters annually for metals,” stated Alexsandra.&nbsp;Analysis of soils and waters for elemental contaminants or minerals is typically performed using either Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) or Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to satisfy the different analytical and regulatory requirements of customers. “The choice between ICP-OES and ICP-MS is largely driven by factors such as required detection limits, number of analytes, regulatory guidelines, and type of information requested by our clients,” Alexsandra further illustrated.Busy analytical testing laboratories experience tremendous workloads and need to ensure that reliable results are delivered to their valued customers in time. Alexsandra noted, “Achieving reliable analytical results with minimum time and resources is very critical to the overall success of any analytical laboratory.” A Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487">iCAP™ MSX ICP-MS</a> driven by Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution Software</a> was added to the instrumental portfolio of the Element laboratory in Edmonton and has been in use for testing of environmental samples including ground waters, lake waters, surface waters, and different types of soil samples. Whereas the analysis of water samples is relatively straightforward, soil samples need to be acid digested either by microwave or hot plate digestion before introducing them into the ICP-MS for analysis. Samples are typically diluted off-line prior to analysis using ultrapure diluent to ensure that total dissolved solids in samples do not exceed the tolerance level of ICP-MS instruments. Alexsandra provided insight on the typical workflow of an environmental laboratory, “For laboratories analyzing hundreds of samples every day, off-line liquid dilution is a tedious, error-prone, and expensive analytical step as it requires time, manual intervention, and expensive reagents and apparatus.”

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 14, 2025

As countries across the world accelerate their efforts to move away from fossil fuels, lithium-ion batteries have rapidly become established as a key component in the drive to greener energy alternatives. But lithium is only part of the story. In this blog post, I’ll review the role that lithium and other elements play in battery technology, discuss how these elements can be quantified and assess what potential options there are for future developments in this area.<h3>Lithium ion batteries – their promise and their problems</h3>Lithium ion battery cathodes are typically made from a mixed metal oxide base to which lithium is added and, usually, nickel, cobalt and manganese oxides are used for this purpose. To maintain optimum performance and to slow degradation of cathode materials over multiple charging and discharging cycles as much as possible, these materials need to be highly purified. In particular, they must be free of metal impurities (particularly iron and vanadium) and sulphur, as these elements disrupt battery performance and accelerate degradation processes. Lithium ion batteries have become a central focus for power generation for electric vehicles and portable devices because they offer high-power storage capacity for their size and good charge/discharge cycling stability over a relatively long time period. However, there are safety concerns surrounding lithium ion batteries, as they can spontaneously ignite and subsequently explode as a result of overheating.This overheating can be caused by factors such as electrical shorting, rapid discharge, overcharging or mechanical damage, so considerable research and development in recent years has been focused on making them as safe as possible. Safety is not the only problem for batteries based on lithium. Although the price of lithium batteries has decreased significantly (by almost 90% between 2010 and 2020, according to some estimates1), since January this year, the price of lithium raw materials (primarily lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide) has been rising steadily. Lithium is not a limitless resource on Earth — it’s present at levels of only between 0.002 – 0.006 wt% in the Earth’s crust — so as demand ramps up, supply will diminish and costs will rise. The cost is not only a financial one. Mining activities will need to sharply increase if dependence on lithium is maintained, which will significantly impact the environment in areas where lithium deposits are rich enough for mining to be viable. This, however, also means that recycling and reprocessing of spent batteries will become an essential part of the lithium battery cycle.<h3>Are there alternative metal ion technologies to lithium?</h3>In the initial stages of lithium ion battery research in the 1970s and early 1980s, the potential of sodium ion batteries was also investigated.2 Sodium has the considerable benefit of being much more widely available than lithium — it’s the seventh most abundant element, with an average concentration of 2.27% by weight in the Earth’s crust — and so cheaper and more viable to extract from almost anywhere. However, it soon became clear at the time that the power density and charge/discharge cycling stability of sodium ion batteries was not as good, in part because the larger ionic radius of sodium means that the graphite anodes that are efficiently used with lithium ion batteries cannot be used with sodium batteries. As a result, sodium battery research languished for many years until, in the early 2010s, interest in this area resurged because of increasing battery demand and the discovery that hard carbon3 provided better anode performance with sodium ions. There is still a long way to go with sodium ion battery development, but promising advances are happening now. In June 2020, researchers from Washington State University (WSU) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) announced that they had developed a viable sodium ion battery4, and Stanford University is spearheading research into new sodium ion-based battery materials.5<h3>Measuring lithium and other metals involved in battery technology</h3>It’s clear that accurate determination and quantification of both the cathode metal oxide elements and trace impurities in the cathode material are of key importance for advancing and scaling up battery production, research and development. The techniques that are available for this analysis include <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=251&amp;manufacturerItems=3">inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=232&amp;manufacturerItems=3">inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)</a>, and recently, the applications team at Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Bremen, Germany, facility have produced an application note on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_73872_icp_oes_elements_lithium_batteries_an73872_en_691a4c3f8a.pdf">analysis of trace elements in lithium batteries</a> using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/BRE0020758#/BRE0020758">Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ PRO XP ICP-OES</a>. If you’d like to learn more about how these and other technologies that can support battery technology advancements, take a look at our batteries resources page <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/batteries">here</a>.

Is Battery Technology Just All About Lithium?

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 19th May 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you other document by Agilent Technologies, guide by Shimadzu and brochure by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: 5 Reasons You Need Onsite Metals Analysis Capabilities for Battery Recycling</h3><ul><li>Other document</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/quickref_battery_recycling_infographic_icp_oes_5994_8002en_agilent_024ec4b399.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>1. Monitoring airborne particulates&nbsp;Mechanical separation e.g. shredding, creates airborne particulates, hazardous to human health and the environment. ICP-OES can be used to monitor air filters to ensure regulatory compliance.&nbsp;2. Analyzing black mass&nbsp;The powder from separation, known as “black mass”, is widely refined through hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes. ICP-OES effectively measures impurities to ensure the final product quality meets specifications.&nbsp;3. Monitoring and optimizing recycling processes&nbsp;Efficient separation is vital for effective downstream processing. Onsite ICP-OES enables real-time monitoring and optimization at each stage, maximizing material recovery like feedstock chemicals.&nbsp;4. Ensuring QC of input chemicals&nbsp;Purity of chemicals used in battery recycling is crucial to avoid introducing contaminants in the final product. For example, leaching – a common purification step – uses strong acids and solvents to isolate compounds.5. Monitoring environmental discharges&nbsp;Thorough chemical analysis of emissions and waste can be achieved using ICP-OES to ensure the correct and safe disposal of these by-products.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Application Data Book - Polymer and Electronic Material</h3><ul><li>Guide</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/c160_e010_c8512bcb71.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The Shimadzu "Thermal Analysis 60 Series Application Data Book" is a comprehensive technical compendium showcasing the use of Shimadzu thermal analysis instruments—primarily the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=+DSC-60"> DSC-60</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=DTG-60">DTG-60</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=TGA-50">TGA-50</a>—for analyzing a wide array of polymeric and electronic materials. This application-focused book is structured into several sections that highlight practical case studies across categories such as plastics, electronic materials, and battery components, demonstrating how thermal techniques can be used to measure melting behavior, crystallization, decomposition, and glass transition properties.In the section dedicated to plastics, studies examine the thermal responses of materials such as PET, PEEK, nylon, polypropylene, and polyimide. The influence of thermal history on crystallinity and thermal stability is highlighted through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. For instance, the book explains how rapid cooling affects PET’s amorphous structure and how glass transition shifts depending on sample morphology and processing history. Shimadzu’s DSC-60 is used throughout to detect transitions such as glass transitions and melting points with high sensitivity and resolution.When analyzing electronic materials, the book includes examples such as thermal decomposition of diodes and quantification of quartz in epoxy resins. Using Shimadzu’s DTG-60, these analyses reveal how semiconductor components decompose and how fillers like quartz contribute to thermal resistance. Similarly, for lead-free solder materials, melting behavior is compared to traditional Sn-Pb alloys, emphasizing the importance of composition in defining thermal performance—a critical aspect in electronics manufacturing.The section on battery and fuel cell materials underscores the role of thermal analysis in energy-related applications. Using the DSC-60, separators in lithium-ion batteries are examined for their melting characteristics, which are crucial for safety mechanisms. The book also delves into analyzing Nafion® membranes for polymer fuel cells, using DSC to interpret water cluster dynamics that influence conductivity. These examples collectively illustrate how Shimadzu’s thermal analysis instruments provide valuable insights into the thermal behavior of modern materials used across diverse industries.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Scientific <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1715">iSC-65 Autosampler</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra ISDS Software</a>: reliability to power through your challenging ICP-OES and ICP-MS workflows</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/sl_001587_tea_isc_65_autosampler_and_qtegra_isds_software_sl001587_en_0809719473.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1715">Thermo Scientific™ iSC-65 Autosampler</a>, controlled by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution™ (ISDS) Software</a>, is a robust, feature-rich sample introduction system with advanced hardware and software capabilities designed to improve productivity and profitability in your routine workflow.&nbsp;The iSC-65 Autosampler is compatible with the Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=231&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=icap+pro+icp-oes">iCAP™ PRO Series ICP-OES</a> and iCAP™ Qnova Series ICP-MS instruments. It is ideally suited for use in applications in environmental, food, industrial, battery technology, sustainable fuels, petrochemical, and pharma markets that require reliable sampling over extended periods.&nbsp;<h5>Key hardware features&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>An industry-proven three-axis screw thread design reliably drives the sample probe with sub mm accuracy and precision.&nbsp;</li><li>Materials that are resistant to common chemicals and acid are used throughout, allowing for reliable, contamination-free operation over extended periods.&nbsp;</li><li>Up to four industry standard sample racks can be installed at one time. Racks with vial capacities of 21, 24, 40, 60, and 90 are supported.&nbsp;</li><li>A dedicated area for 50 mL (either flat or round base) tubes is provided, ideal for solutions that need to be repeatedly analyzed, for example, quality control standards.</li><li>In case of accidental spillage, the sample rack tray can be removed, and fittings are provided to support either a gravity drain to the front or a pumped drain to the rear of the iSC-65 Autosampler.&nbsp;</li><li>The two-channel rinse station is fed by a dedicated rinse pump that can be used to remove excess rinse solution or fitted to a gravity drain. The rinse station is removable for cleaning and is connected to tubing with luer style fittings for ease of use and peace of mind.&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Key sampling capabilities&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Step Ahead – sends the probe to the rinse station during data acquisition, using the sample volume in the probe and transfer tubing to complete the analysis. Less sample solution is required, decreasing waste and instrument wear, and less time is required to rinse, reducing rinse solution usage and accelerating sample throughput. &nbsp;</li><li>Flexible sampling depths – vial-specific probe depths enable correct sampling to avoid suspended particles that could otherwise lead to blockages, minimizing maintenance and potential exchange of sample introduction components.</li></ul><h5>Software features built on hardware capabilities&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>The Thermo Scientific iSC-65 Autosampler is controlled through a dedicated software plug-in within the Qtegra ISDS Software platform. A high clarity, easy to follow, visual workflow is carried through multiple views.&nbsp;</li><li>A dedicated view for the iSC-65 Autosampler is accessible in the Qtegra ISDS Software Dashboard that provides access to common autosampler actions – probe movement, pump speed control, etc.</li></ul>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 21, 2025

Valentines Day is an opportunity to show your partner (or your crush) how much they matter to you. Beyond flowers, chocolates or restaurant invites, jewelry is a popular gift for Valentines day. However, a well meant gift may turn out to even be a hazard to the giftee.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Cheap_Trendy_and_Toxic_High_Levels_of_Cadmium_in_Necklaces_Have_Been_Reported_Lately_93d25a7757.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Cheap, Trendy – and Toxic? High Levels of Cadmium in Necklaces Have Been Reported Lately" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Cheap_Trendy_and_Toxic_High_Levels_of_Cadmium_in_Necklaces_Have_Been_Reported_Lately_93d25a7757.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512">Heavy metals in jewelry, harmful chemicals in baby products: the product range offered by online marketplaces frequently fails to meet European Union safety standards. That is the alarming conclusion of recent investigations by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/stiftung-warentest-findet-giftige-schwermetalle-in-angeboten-von-temu-und-shein-a-efb2057b-2377-4ce4-b2e0-07be01d00df0">Stiftung Warentest</a>, Germany’s leading consumer protection organization.<h3>A reputation under scrutiny</h3>Low prices, fast fashion, and endless product choices have made online platforms hugely popular across Europe. With just a few clicks, shoppers can order clothes, accessories, toys, and electronics at prices that seem almost too good to be true.In a large-scale product test, consumer advocates found serious safety deficiencies in many popular items sold on these platforms.The advice to consumers is equally clear: buyers should dispose of affected products immediately and think carefully about what they order in the future.<h3>Shockingly high levels of toxic metals</h3>One of the most concerning findings involved fashion jewelry. In the test, the cadmium concentration in two necklaces exceeded the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://de.euronews.com/2025/10/31/stiftung-warentest-giftige-schwermetalle-in-shein-und-temu-produkten">EU’s legal limit by 8,500 times.</a> It´s a cheaper alternative to safer metals like silver, zinc alloys, or stainless steel, is easy to work with, and looks good at first glance.However, cadmium is classified as carcinogenic and can cause serious kidney and bone damage. Because of its toxicity, it is subject to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bvl.bund.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/03_verbraucherprodukte/2020/2020_02_11_PI_Modeschmuck.html">strict limits</a> in the EU. Products that exceed these limits are considered unsafe and illegal to sell.Experts strongly warn against simply throwing such items into the household trash. Jewelry contaminated with cadmium or other heavy metals should be taken to a hazardous waste collection point.The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.euroconsumers.org/systemic-failures-in-product-compliance-on-temu-and-shein/">investigation</a> covered 162 products in total of which 54 were necklaces.The products were purchased online and tested in cooperation with consumer organizations from Denmark and Belgium.The results were sobering:<ul><li>110 of the 162 products failed to meet EU safety standards</li><li>Around 25% were rated “potentially dangerous”</li></ul><h3>A broader EU problem</h3>EU authorities regularly find toxic heavy metals such as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33757252/">cadmium</a>, lead, and nickel in cheap imported jewelry. These substances can trigger severe allergies, damage organs like the liver and kidneys, and increase cancer risk.Although the EU’s rapid alert system (RAPEX) removes thousands of unsafe products from the market every year, experts warn that the number of untested items is far higher than what authorities can realistically monitor.In some laboratory tests, individual jewelry items were found to consist of up to 70% cadmium, making them legally “not marketable” in Germany and the EU.The takeaway for shoppers should be clear:<ul><li>Extremely low prices can come with hidden health and safety risks</li><li>Jewelry, children’s products, and electronics deserve extra caution</li><li>When in doubt, it’s safer to buy from sellers that clearly comply with EU regulations</li></ul><h3>How can we detect Cadmium in necklaces?</h3>Consumer product/jewelry guidance explicitly notes that cadmium in jewelry extracts can be measured by ICP-OES or ICP-MS after an extraction step.Cadmium in jewelry is often regulated at low levels (either as total content after digestion or as extractable/migratable Cd in simulated-use leaches). <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=232&amp;instrumentationItems=83&amp;manufacturerItems=3">ICP-MS</a> is routinely chosen because it can quantify Cd at trace / ultra-trace levels with strong precision and accuracy.Using a Thermo Scientific iCAP MX Series ICP-MS for Cadmium (Cd) determination in necklaces/ jewellery makes sense because jewelry testing typically needs very low detection limits, high confidence in complex matrices, and defensible compliance data.<ul><li>Better interference control for Cd isotopes</li></ul>Cadmium has a range of isotopes available for analysis, but interferences need to be considered. Most isotopes are isobarically interfered by Tin (meaning that a given m/z range would be responding to both elements), the isotope typically monitored (111Cd) may be interfered by molybdenum (95Mo16O+). Since both elements can be found as well in jewelry, removing these interferences is critical to avoid false positives. The iCAP MX Series ICP-MS come with the powerful QCell collision/reaction cell to overcome interferences. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487">Thermo Scientific iCAP MSX ICP-MS</a> uses kinetic energy discrimination (KED) with helium gas, a generic way for reducing polyatomic interferences broadly across the mass range. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487">Thermo Scientific iCAP MTX ICP-MS</a> can utilize reactive gases (in many applications O2) to further improve detectability and sensitivity – a powerful asset for laboratories analysing a wide range of sample types, which on top may “messy” – i.e. containing platings, alloys, pigments, fillers, and adhesives.<ul><li>Works with recognized jewelry test workflows</li></ul>Because necklaces and other consumer products often arrive as multiple distinct batches, repeats, blanks, spikes, and QC checks must be performed. All iCAP MX &nbsp;Series ICP-MS systems are positioned for high-throughput routine trace elemental analysis, helping labs to simplify workflows and keeping uptime high—useful in contract/compliance labs.<h3>Conclusion</h3>The findings underscore a troubling reality: many ultra-cheap products sold via online marketplaces pose real health and safety risks and routinely fail to meet EU standards. From toxic heavy metals in jewelry to hazardous chemicals in baby products, the consequences for consumers can be severe. Addressing this challenge requires both stronger regulatory oversight and reliable analytical testing. Advanced techniques such as ICP-MS play a critical role by enabling laboratories to accurately detect trace contaminants like cadmium across complex samples, helping authorities and manufacturers ensure compliance. Until safeguards improve, consumers are urged to remain vigilant—because when safety is compromised, a low price is no bargain at all.<h3>Additional resources</h3><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/inductively-coupled-plasma-mass-spectrometry-icp-ms/quadrupole-icp-ms-systems.html">Quadrupole ICP-MS Systems</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/br_003092_tea_icp_ms_icap_mtx_discovery_br003092_em_en_e92e76f052.pdf">Ignite your confidence: iCAP MTX triple quadrupole ICP-MS</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra ISDS software</a></li></ul><h3>Join us for free local language webinars in 2026</h3><h5>English</h5><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5795">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 1</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5976">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5977">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Trace Elemental Analysis (ICP-OES &amp; ICP-MS)</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5978">Trace Elemental Analysis: Ask the Expert</a></li></ul><h5>Deutsch</h5><ul><li>19. März 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179134/393E071E3B501943730958BA6203F477">Interne Standards in der ICP-OES: Ein Praxisguide für zuverlässige Qualitätssicherung im Labor</a></li><li>18. Juni 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179292/AE4C576B6A54D1AC182F7F77573D380F">Fehler reduzieren, Durchsatz steigern: Autoverdünnung mit PrepFast am ICP-MS</a></li><li>17. September 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179423/B5019C560431BADCA2A76E54E4EFE56F">ICP-OES smarter nutzen: Probendurchsatz erhöhen, Ressourcen sparen</a></li><li>17. Dezember 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179530/94EEDD1F56138F5EEE2AF24E29E6C12A">Qtegra ISDS Software Unlocked – Live im Expertengespräch</a></li></ul>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#ICP-MS #ElementalAnalysis #cadmium #TraceElementalAnalysis<section><blockquote><h5>Petra Gerhards</h5>Petra Gerhards, Dipl-Ing, is Regional Marketing Manager of GC and GC-MS for EMEA at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She has more than 29 years of experience in the fields of GC-MS, SPE and LC-MS. Since joining the regional team she has contributed to workflow solutions combining vials and closures with SPE solutions, GC-MS and LC-MS. She works with KOL's on data for regional specific marketing campaigns, organizes in-house seminars and works on customer specific solutions. Her main expertise is in the field of doping and drugs-of-abuse analysis.</blockquote></section>

Cheap, Trendy – and Toxic? High Levels of Cadmium in Necklaces Have Been Reported Lately

<h3>Lunch &amp; learn tips &amp; tricks series 2026 – part 1</h3>In modern analytical laboratories, efficiency, consistency, and data confidence are essential. Whether you are operating an ICP-OES or ICP-MS system, the way you use your software can significantly influence productivity and analytical performance. In the first session of our Lunch &amp; Learn Tips &amp; Tricks Series, we focused on one of the most common themes raised by users: how to navigate <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra </a>software more effectively and optimize everyday workflows.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Mastering_Qtegra_Software_Practical_Strategies_to_Improve_Your_Daily_Lab_Workflow_3d35454782.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Mastering Qtegra Software: Practical Strategies to Improve Your Daily Lab Workflow" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Mastering_Qtegra_Software_Practical_Strategies_to_Improve_Your_Daily_Lab_Workflow_3d35454782.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512">This session explored three key areas in detail: understanding the structure of Qtegra and the Configurator, using the Dashboard as your operational control center, and building smarter, more efficient LabBooks. Below is a structured recap of the key insights shared during Part 1.<h3>Understanding the structure of Qtegra</h3>One of the most valuable features of Qtegra software is its consistency across multiple instrument platforms. Whether you are working with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=227&amp;instrumentationItems=84&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=icap+pro">iCAP PRO ICP-OES</a>, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=232&amp;instrumentationItems=83&amp;manufacturerItems=3">iCAP MX ICP-MS</a>, the iCAP 7000 OES, or Qnova ICP-MS systems, the interface and workflow logic remain familiar. This consistency reduces the learning curve when transitioning between instruments and supports standardised training across laboratories.Qtegra consists of two primary components: the Qtegra application itself and the Configurator.<ul><li>The Qtegra application is where you directly interact with your instrument. It is used to create LabBooks, control the instrument, execute analyses, and review results.</li><li>The Configurator, in contrast, defines how your system behaves at a deeper level. It controls system-level settings that underpin daily operation. Within the Configurator, users can manage features such as Fast Uptake setup, drain sensor configuration, wavelength libraries for ICP-OES systems, the Reaction Database for ICP-MS systems, and user access permissions.</li></ul>Understanding the distinction between these two components helps users troubleshoot more effectively and ensures that system configuration aligns with laboratory requirements.<h3>Using the dashboard as your central hub</h3>When Qtegra is opened, the first screen presented is the Dashboard. The Dashboard functions as the central hub for instrument monitoring and control. From this location, users can view instrument status, monitor live operating parameters, access tuning tools, review performance checks, and identify error or interlock notifications.<ul><li>For ICP-OES users, the Dashboard provides access to tune sets, source settings, AutoPeak alignment, autotuning functions, and live views such as Plasma TV. These tools allow users to confirm that the plasma and optical system are performing as expected before analysis begins.</li><li>For ICP-MS users, the Instrument tab within the Dashboard provides access to autotune routines, performance report summaries, gas flow settings, nebuliser adjustments, operating mode selection such as Standard, KED, or CCT modes, IntelliLens control, and real-time data streams.</li></ul>The Dashboard should be used as a structured checkpoint before running any analysis. Confirming that all parameters are within acceptable ranges reduces the likelihood of interruptions and supports consistent performance throughout the run.<h3>The get ready workflow: structured instrument preparation</h3><ul><li>The Get Ready function, which is launched directly from the Dashboard, provides a guided preparation workflow. This feature is designed to ensure that the instrument is fully configured and operating correctly for the selected method before analysis begins.</li><li>Within Get Ready, users can access scheduling tools that automate warmups, standby routines, shutdowns, and maintenance checks. These tools are particularly beneficial for laboratories operating multiple shifts or managing variable workloads.</li></ul>For ICP-MS systems, the Get Ready workflow includes automated performance checks, autotune routines, and controlled warm-up conditions. These routines verify that the instrument is operating within its expected performance range.By following the structured steps within Get Ready, laboratories can reduce the risk of missed preparation tasks and maintain day-to-day analytical consistency.<h3>Building smarter LabBooks</h3>The LabBook forms the foundation of every analytical sequence in Qtegra. A carefully constructed LabBook improves efficiency, reduces setup errors, and simplifies data review.Users can create a LabBook from scratch or begin with a template. Templates are particularly useful for laboratories that integrate with LIMS systems or import sample lists via CSV files, as they promote standardisation and consistency.<h4>Defining analytes</h4><ul><li>For ICP-OES methods, users must select appropriate wavelengths and evaluate potential spectral interferences.&nbsp;</li><li>For ICP-MS methods, users select the required masses, consider isobaric and polyatomic interferences, and use the Reaction Database to support reaction mode selection.</li></ul>Careful analyte selection at this stage helps prevent complications later in the analytical workflow.<h4>Configuring acquisition parameters</h4>Acquisition parameters define how the instrument collects data.<ul><li>For ICP-OES systems, this includes selecting viewing modes, choosing wavelength ranges such as iFR or eUV, and defining integration times.</li><li>For ICP-MS systems, this includes selecting operating modes such as Standard, KED, or CCT, configuring Reaction Finder options, enabling Intelligent Matrix Handling, and defining digital trigger settings.</li></ul>Thoughtful parameter configuration ensures that data quality objectives are met without unnecessary reanalysis.<h4>Using intelligent uptake and rinse</h4>The Intelligent Uptake and Rinse feature detects when the sample or rinse solution reaches the nebuliser. This ensures consistent timing across samples and improves overall throughput. In high-throughput environments, this feature contributes to both efficiency and reproducibility.<h4>Calibration and quantification strategy</h4>Calibration design is central to reliable quantification. Qtegra allows users to manage global standards, configure dilution tools, select calibration fit types, assign internal standards, and establish quality control samples.For ICP-OES systems, users can define standard ranges and switch points. For SemiQuant workflows, Relative Sensitivity Factors can be applied.Establishing these parameters during LabBook creation ensures that data validation is straightforward once analysis is complete.<h4>Autosampler and sample list setup</h4>For laboratories using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1715">iSC-65 autosampler</a>, features such as StepAhead, custom rack definitions, colour-coded sample views, and visual integrity checks support efficient sequence management.When constructing the sample list, users should clearly define sample types, establish a logical sequence order, and configure column layouts appropriately. Setting flags and limits during initial setup simplifies the data review process and supports quality assurance.<h3>Why workflow optimisation matters</h3>Optimising Qtegra usage does not require learning new software features. Instead, it involves using existing tools more strategically. By treating the Dashboard as a pre-run checkpoint, using Get Ready consistently, and constructing LabBooks with long-term efficiency in mind, laboratories can reduce downtime, improve reproducibility, and strengthen confidence in analytical results.<h3>Looking ahead to part 2</h3><blockquote>In Part 2 of the Qtegra Tips &amp; Tricks series, we will focus on post-analysis best practices. Topics will include interpreting signal intensities, reviewing calibration performance, evaluating recoveries and readbacks, applying flags effectively, exporting data, and implementing practical workflow improvements discussed in Part 1.</blockquote>By building a structured approach to both preparation and data review, laboratories can transform routine analysis into a streamlined, reliable, and repeatable process.We look forward to continuing the discussion in Part 2.<h5>Acknowledgement</h5>I would like to thank Matthew Gregory Field Applications Scientist, North EMEA, Trace Elemental Analysis and David Fishwick Field Applications Scientist, North EMEA, Trace Elemental Analysis for the support on this blog and the webinars<h4>Sign up for our webinars live and on demand.</h4>English<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5795">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 1</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5976">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5977">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Trace Elemental Analysis (ICP-OES &amp; ICP-MS)</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5978">Trace Elemental Analysis: Ask the Expert</a></li></ul>Deutsch<ul><li>19. März 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179134/393E071E3B501943730958BA6203F477">Interne Standards in der ICP-OES: Ein Praxisguide für zuverlässige Qualitätssicherung im Labor</a></li><li>18. Juni 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179292/AE4C576B6A54D1AC182F7F77573D380F">Fehler reduzieren, Durchsatz steigern: Autoverdünnung mit PrepFast am ICP-MS</a></li><li>17. September 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179423/B5019C560431BADCA2A76E54E4EFE56F">ICP-OES smarter nutzen: Probendurchsatz erhöhen, Ressourcen sparen</a></li><li>17. Dezember 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179530/94EEDD1F56138F5EEE2AF24E29E6C12A">Qtegra ISDS Software Unlocked – Live im Expertengespräch</a></li></ul>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#Qtegra, #ICPMS, #ICPOES, #TraceElementalAnalysis<blockquote><h5>Petra Gerhards</h5>Petra Gerhards, Dipl-Ing, is Regional Marketing Manager of GC and GC-MS for EMEA at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She has more than 29 years of experience in the fields of GC-MS, SPE and LC-MS. Since joining the regional team she has contributed to workflow solutions combining vials and closures with SPE solutions, GC-MS and LC-MS. She works with KOL's on data for regional specific marketing campaigns, organizes in-house seminars and works on customer specific solutions. Her main expertise is in the field of doping and drugs-of-abuse analysis.</blockquote>

Mastering Qtegra Software: Practical Strategies to Improve Your Daily Lab Workflow

In <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=227&amp;manufacturerItems=3">ICP-OES</a> analysis, maintaining reliable accuracy and precision over time can be challenging. Instrument drift, matrix effects, and fluctuations in sample introduction can all influence analytical results. One of the most effective tools to monitor and compensate for these influences is the internal standard (ISTD). When properly selected and implemented, an internal standard significantly strengthens quality assurance and increases confidence in analytical data.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Internal_Standards_in_ICP_OES_A_Practical_Guide_to_Better_Accuracy_and_Precision_50d02d62c8.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific Internal Standards in ICP-OES A Practical Guide to Better Accuracy and Precision" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Internal_Standards_in_ICP_OES_A_Practical_Guide_to_Better_Accuracy_and_Precision_50d02d62c8.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512">An internal standard is a suitable element that is added at a constant concentration to all blanks, calibration standards, quality control samples, and unknown samples. It is measured simultaneously with the analytes of interest and serves as an indicator of what is happening during the measurement process. Because it behaves similarly to the analytes in the plasma, it reflects variations that occur during sample transport, excitation, or detection.However, not every element qualifies as a good internal standard. Ideally, the chosen element should not be present in the sample, or only in negligible amounts. It must not cause spectral interferences with the analytes, and its emission line should remain free from interference itself. The internal standard should also be compatible with the sample matrix and exhibit similar excitation and ionization characteristics to the analytes. In practice, the internal standard is typically introduced at a concentration of approximately 1 to 5 ppm at the nebulizer, ensuring a clean and stable signal.When correctly applied, internal standards help correct for several types of variation. They compensate for changes in sample transport caused by pump instability or nebulizer fluctuations. They correct for plasma instability and optical drift over time. They also address certain matrix-related effects, such as changes in viscosity or surface tension that influence aerosol formation and excitation efficiency. By normalizing the analyte signal to the internal standard signal, many physical and instrumental variations can be effectively minimized.It is important to understand, however, what internal standards cannot correct. They do not resolve spectral overlaps or interferences. They cannot compensate for incorrect calibration or non-linear response behavior. Detector saturation and fundamental method errors also remain unaffected by internal standard correction. In other words, an internal standard enhances a well-designed method but cannot rescue a flawed one.Internal standards are particularly valuable in long analytical sequences, where system drift can gradually affect results. By continuously monitoring the internal standard signal, laboratories can detect and correct drift in real time. They are also helpful in sequences involving strongly varying sample matrices. Differences in density or viscosity between samples can influence transport efficiency, and the internal standard provides a way to monitor and partially compensate for these effects.Another important application of internal standards is in high-precision analysis. In precious metal determinations, for example, internal drift correction can be applied to each individual measurement. When combined with a bracketing approach, this technique can dramatically improve overall precision. In one example presented, a total precision of 0.07% over twelve measurements was achieved despite variability in individual readings. Such performance illustrates the strength of internal standard correction when precision requirements are demanding.There are two main approaches to introducing the internal standard into the ICP-OES system. In the classical approach, all blanks, standards, quality controls, and samples are spiked with the internal standard prior to measurement. This method requires careful preparation to ensure consistent concentration across all solutions. Alternatively, the internal standard can be added online during measurement using a Y-connector. In this configuration, the internal standard solution is continuously mixed with each sample as it is introduced into the nebulizer. While this method simplifies preparation and reduces the risk of spiking errors, it introduces a dilution factor that must be considered.Practical examples show that correct implementation is crucial. Poor sample homogenization can lead to incorrect internal standard correction, particularly in challenging matrices such as mineral oils. If the sample is not homogeneous, the internal standard may not reflect the true behavior of the analytes, leading to misleading corrections. Therefore, careful sample preparation remains essential, even when internal standards are used.Internal standards also play a valuable role during method development. When establishing a new method, the internal standard can be used to verify matrix compatibility and recovery. Recovery tests with certified reference materials help determine whether matrix adaptation is necessary. If recovery is not satisfactory, matrix matching can be optimized through dilution strategies or calibration adjustments. Tools such as SemiQuant in<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489"> Qtegra software</a> can assist in identifying matrix components and guiding method optimization. Even if the internal standard is later omitted in routine operation, its use during development provides valuable insight into method robustness.It is worth noting that Argon, which is always present in the plasma, can act as a kind of “pseudo-internal standard”. While it does not replace a true internal standard element, monitoring the argon signal can provide useful information about plasma stability.In summary, internal standards are powerful tools for improving analytical reliability in ICP-OES. They help monitor and correct drift, improve precision, and increase confidence in results, especially in complex or variable matrices. However, they must be carefully selected, properly implemented, and understood in terms of their limitations. Used thoughtfully, internal standards strengthen both routine analysis and method development, contributing to consistent and trustworthy laboratory performance.<h3>Acknowledgement</h3>I would like to thank Dr. Torben Stichel, Dr. Joerg Axthelm and Dr. Sebastian Voelker Field Applications Scientist, Germany, Trace Elemental Analysis and for the support on this blog and the webinars.<h4>Sign up for our webinars live and on demand</h4><h5>English</h5><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5795">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 1</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5976">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5977">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Trace Elemental Analysis (ICP-OES &amp; ICP-MS)</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5978">Trace Elemental Analysis: Ask the Expert</a></li></ul><h5>Deutsch</h5><ul><li>19. März 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179134/393E071E3B501943730958BA6203F477">Interne Standards in der ICP-OES: Ein Praxisguide für zuverlässige Qualitätssicherung im Labor</a></li><li>18. Juni 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179292/AE4C576B6A54D1AC182F7F77573D380F">Fehler reduzieren, Durchsatz steigern: Autoverdünnung mit PrepFast am ICP-MS</a></li><li>17. September 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179423/B5019C560431BADCA2A76E54E4EFE56F">ICP-OES smarter nutzen: Probendurchsatz erhöhen, Ressourcen sparen</a></li><li>17. Dezember 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179530/94EEDD1F56138F5EEE2AF24E29E6C12A">Qtegra ISDS Software Unlocked – Live im Expertengespräch</a></li></ul>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#ICP_OES #InternalStandards #ElementalAnalysis #TraceElementAnalysis<blockquote><h5>Petra Gerhards</h5>Petra Gerhards, Dipl-Ing, is Regional Marketing Manager of GC and GC-MS for EMEA at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She has more than 29 years of experience in the fields of GC-MS, SPE and LC-MS. Since joining the regional team she has contributed to workflow solutions combining vials and closures with SPE solutions, GC-MS and LC-MS. She works with KOL's on data for regional specific marketing campaigns, organizes in-house seminars and works on customer specific solutions. Her main expertise is in the field of doping and drugs-of-abuse analysis.</blockquote>

Internal Standards in ICP-OES: A Practical Guide to Better Accuracy and Precision

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