<p><strong>In the week from July 20, the following webinars await you in the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and spectrometry</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><div><section>&nbsp;</section></div><div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><h5><strong>1. Waters Corporation: Simplifying Cleaning Validation: How TOC Streamlines Residue Detection</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 21.7.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6340">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Simplify pharmaceutical cleaning validation using Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis. Learn how a single, rapid, non-specific method enables efficient residue detection across cleaning processes.</p><h5><strong>2. Bruker: Scripted Automation for Efficient Control and Autonomous Experimentation with AFM</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 22.7.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6373">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how the NanoScope API enables safe, flexible automation of Bruker Dimension series AFMs, supporting scripted instrument control and autonomous atomic force microscopy experiments.</p><h5><strong>3. SPECTRO Analytical Instruments: Introducing SPECTROPORT LIBS — Reliable On-Site Metal Identification</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 23.7.2026 10:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6363">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn how portable OES and LIBS technologies provide fast, reliable elemental analysis for alloy identification, grade verification, and on-site quality control in manufacturing and inspection.</p><h5><strong>4. Mettler-Toledo: Crucible Selection for Thermal Analysis</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 23.7.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5776">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn practical tips for selecting the right crucibles for DSC and TGA applications to improve measurement accuracy, reproducibility, and overall thermal analysis performance.</p><h5><strong>5. Agilent Technologies: Ultra Trace Analysis of High-Purity Reagents by 9500 ICP-QQQ with m-lens</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 23.7.2026 20:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6381">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how the Agilent 9500 ICP-QQQ with m-lens enables sub-ppt ultra-trace impurity analysis of high-purity reagents for semiconductor manufacturing and advanced materials applications.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></div>

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 30/2026

<p><strong>When test results are used to assess compliance, i.e. to decide whether specifications or regulations are met, the measurement uncertainty of the test results has to be taken into account. Assessment of compliance for cases i and v in the Figure below is clear – the measurement results including the uncertainty interval are clearly above or below the limit value. In the other cases the decision is not clear since the uncertainty interval overlaps the limit value. The Eurachem/CITAC guide [1] gives guidance on cases ii, iii and iv.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Upper_control_limit_9366d8f597.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Upper control limit" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Upper_control_limit_9366d8f597.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="585"></p><h4><strong>We need acceptance &amp; rejection zones&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>In order to judge whether the results in cases <strong>ii, iii,</strong> and<strong> iv</strong> comply with the limit value we need a decision rule, based on the risks associated with making a wrong decision. This decision rule enables a guard band, <i>g</i>, to be calculated which defines an acceptance zone and a rejection zone. If the measurement value is within the acceptance zone the specifications are met and we can conclude compliance. If the measured value is in the rejection zone, we can conclude non-compliance. The intersection between these two zones is called the decision limit. A guard band is normally chosen so that for a measured value in the acceptance zone the probability of correct acceptance is more than or equal to a defined confidence value <i><strong>α</strong></i>. Note that a guard band, <i>g = 0</i> can also be used. This is called <i>simple acceptance</i>.&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Decision rule&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>A decision rule should have a well-documented method of determining the location of acceptance and rejection zones, ideally including acceptable levels of probability, <i>P</i>, that the value of the measurand 1) lies within the specification limit, <i>high confidence of correct acceptance</i> (low probability of false acceptance) or 2) lies outside the specification limit, <i>high confidence of correct rejection</i> (low probability of false rejection).</p><h4><strong>Information needed for assessing compliance&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The following information is needed:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>measurand clearly specified;&nbsp;</li><li>specification stating upper or lower limit or both;&nbsp;</li><li>decision rule;&nbsp;</li><li>measured value:&nbsp;</li><li>measurement uncertainty for a measured value at the limit(s).</li></ul><h4><strong>Example focusing on correct acceptance&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Measurand</strong>: Mass fraction of nickel, Ni in a batch of steel delivered to a customer.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Uncertainty: </strong><i>U</i> = 0.2 % Ni, <i>k</i> = 2 (95 %). Standard uncertainty, <i>u</i> = 0.1 % Ni. This uncertainty includes both sampling uncertainty for the batch and analytical uncertainty.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Specification:</strong> The specification zone is from the lower limit 16.0 % Ni to the upper limit 18.0 % Ni.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Decision rule </strong><i><strong>High confidence of correct acceptance:</strong></i> The acceptance range is the mass fraction where it can be decided with a confidence level of approximately 95 % (<i>α</i> = 0.05) that the batch has a mass fraction above the lower limit and below the upper limit.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Guard band: </strong>Each guard band is calculated as 1.64<i>u ≈</i> 0.17 % (rounded upward for safety) with <i>k</i> value 1.64 from the one-tailed upper 95 % quantile of the normal distribution.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Acceptance zone:</strong> 16.2 % Ni to 17.8 % Ni , after rounding to one decimal place.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Measured value:</strong> 16.1 % Ni</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Guard_bands_g_and_acceptance_and_a_rejection_zones_based_on_a_lower_and_upper_bedc4769b3.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Guard bands (g), and acceptance and a rejection zones based on a lower and upper limit and a decision rule stating high confidence of correct acceptance" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Guard_bands_g_and_acceptance_and_a_rejection_zones_based_on_a_lower_and_upper_bedc4769b3.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1091" height="447"></p><p>The measured value, 16.1 % Ni, is below the lower acceptance limit of 16.2 %; that is, in the rejection zone. The batch is non-compliant.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p><strong>Note</strong> – if the decision rule stated simple <i>acceptance</i> the acceptance zone would be 16.0 % to 18.0 % and the batch would be compliant.&nbsp;</p></blockquote><h4><strong>Example focusing on correct rejection&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Measurand:</strong> Mass fraction of a banned substance in a sample.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Uncertainty: </strong>The relative standard uncertainty urel is 35 %.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Specification:</strong> Upper limit is 2 ng/g.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Decision rule </strong><i><strong>High confidence of correct rejection</strong></i><strong>: </strong>The concentration of the banned substance will be deemed to be above the limit if the probability of the value of the concentration being greater than the limit is 95 % or greater.</li><li><strong>Guard band:</strong> The guard band g for correct <i>rejection</i> is 1.6 ng/g assuming a <strong>lognormal</strong> distribution (due to the high relative uncertainty – see further Guide Annex A, Case 4 [1]).&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Acceptance limit: </strong>3.6 ng/g&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Measured value:</strong> 3.3 ng/g&nbsp;</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Guard_band_g_and_acceptance_and_a_rejection_zones_based_f0f8f140db.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Guard band (g), and acceptance and a rejection zones based on a decision rule stating high confidence of correct rejection" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Guard_band_g_and_acceptance_and_a_rejection_zones_based_f0f8f140db.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="883" height="392"></p><p>The measured value, 3.3 ng/g, is below the acceptance limit of 3.6 ng/g; that is, in the acceptance zone. The sample is compliant. Note that the assumption of the type of distribution is crucial. If assuming a normal distribution in this case the acceptance limit would be 3.2 ng/g and the sample would not be compliant.</p>

Use of uncertainty in compliance

<h4><strong>Overcoming matrix suppression and signal drift in environmental samples and industrial brines</strong></h4><p>As demand for lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), and environmental monitoring continues to grow, laboratories are increasingly challenged by one of the most difficult sample types in elemental analysis: high-salinity waters. Whether analyzing lithium-rich underground brines for electric vehicle battery production or monitoring seawater and brackish water for environmental compliance, laboratories require a solution that combines sensitivity, robustness, and productivity.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487"><strong>Thermo Scientific iCAP MSX ICP-MS</strong></a> addresses these challenges by delivering reliable trace element analysis across a wide range of salt concentrations—from seawater to highly concentrated brines containing up to 25% sodium chloride.</p><h3><strong>Why high-salt samples challenge ICP-MS</strong></h3><p>Brines and seawater present significant analytical obstacles.<strong> High dissolved solids can cause:</strong></p><ul><li>Signal drift and matrix suppression</li><li>Nebulizer blockages</li><li>Torch injector fouling</li><li>Interface cone contamination</li><li>Increased maintenance and downtime</li></ul><p>Traditional workflows often require extensive manual dilution, frequent recalibration, and additional operator intervention. These steps reduce throughput and increase operating costs.</p><h3><strong>A unified solution for brines and seawater</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_4_78a4a8997a.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Trace Metal Analysis in High Salt Matrices by ICP-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_4_78a4a8997a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1808" height="900"></p><p>The<strong> iCAP MSX ICP-MS</strong> leverages integrated <strong>Argon Gas Dilution (AGD) technology</strong> to enable direct analysis of challenging high-matrix samples while maintaining excellent sensitivity and stability.</p><p><strong>Key advantages include:</strong></p><ul><li>Analysis of brines up to <strong>25% NaCl </strong>without manual dilution</li><li>High matrix tolerance with the AGD High setting</li><li>Automated tuning and instrument health monitoring</li><li>Stable internal standard performance</li><li>Reduced maintenance requirements</li><li>Consistent data quality across varying salt concentrations</li><li>Reduced sample handling, dilution apparatus, and potential for contamination</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_3_785f2e2d29.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Trace Metal Analysis in High Salt Matrices by ICP-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_3_785f2e2d29.jpg 221w," sizes="100vw" width="1400" height="989"></p><p>This unified approach allows laboratories to use a <strong>single method for multiple sample types</strong>, improving efficiency and simplifying operations.</p><h3><strong>Engineered for robustness</strong></h3><p><strong>Several hardware innovations contribute to the system’s performance:</strong></p><p><strong>Collision / Reaction Cell</strong><br>The Thermo Scientific QCell Collision / Reaction Cell utilizes a proprietary Flatapole design and integrated low-mass cutoff technology to provide effective interference removal while maintaining high ion transmission and sensitivity.</p><p><strong>RAPID lens technology</strong><br>The Right Angle Positive Ion Deflection (RAPID) lens system uses a fully focused 90-degree ion deflection design that helps keep the mass spectrometer maintenance-free after the interface region.</p><p><strong>Flexible AGD operation</strong><br>Unlike alternative matrix-handling approaches, AGD offers selectable dilution levels fully integrated within the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489"><strong>Thermo Scientific Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution (ISDS) software</strong></a>, simplifying operation while maintaining performance.</p><h3><strong>Supporting the growing lithium and rare earth economy</strong></h3><p>The rapid expansion of electric vehicle production has intensified the need for reliable impurity analysis in lithium-rich underground brines. Accurate determination of trace metals and rare earth elements is essential for:</p><ul><li>Resource characterization</li><li>Process optimization</li><li>Product quality assurance</li><li>Regulatory compliance</li></ul><p>The ability to analyze both concentrated brines and seawater using a single workflow enables laboratories to support upstream extraction, refining operations, and environmental monitoring with greater efficiency.</p><h3><strong>Improving productivity through intelligent automation</strong></h3><p>Beyond analytical performance, the<strong> iCAP MSX ICP-MS</strong> is designed to reduce the operator’s workload through:</p><ul><li>Automatic instrument tuning</li><li>Integrated health monitoring</li><li>Hawk Consumables and Maintenance Assistant</li><li>Simplified maintenance planning</li><li>Reduced risk of unplanned downtime</li></ul><p>These features help laboratories maximize instrument uptime while maintaining confidence in data quality.</p><h3><strong>Seawater validation data demonstrates excellent accuracy and sensitivity</strong></h3><p>To evaluate analytical performance in a challenging marine matrix, seawater samples were analyzed both unspiked and with trace-element spike additions of <strong>1 ppb and 0.1 ppb</strong>. The study included transition metals, precious metals, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) measured using KED mode.</p><h5><strong>1 ppb spike recovery results</strong></h5><p>The 1 ppb spike experiment demonstrated strong recoveries across most analytes:</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_c27a27a631.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Trace Metal Analysis in High Salt Matrices by ICP-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_c27a27a631.jpg 110w," sizes="100vw" width="834" height="1180"></p><p>The majority of REEs showed recoveries between approximately <strong>102% and 116%</strong>, demonstrating excellent accuracy in a high-salt seawater matrix. Particularly noteworthy were <strong>Er (115.6%), Dy (114.9%), Yb (114.0%), and Gd (114.0%)</strong>, highlighting the capability of the system for strategic element monitoring.</p><h5><strong>0.1 ppb spike recovery results</strong></h5><p>Performance remained strong at ten-fold lower concentration levels:</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_2_d045eb8be8.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Trace Metal Analysis in High Salt Matrices by ICP-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Trace_Metal_Analysis_in_High_Salt_Matrices_by_ICP_MS_2_d045eb8be8.jpg 115w," sizes="100vw" width="834" height="1129"></p><p>These results demonstrate reliable quantification at sub-ppb concentrations, supporting environmental monitoring and trace impurity applications where ultra-low detection capability is essential.</p><h3><strong>What does this mean for laboratories?</strong></h3><p>The seawater data confirms that the iCAP MSX ICP-MS can deliver:</p><ul><li>Accurate recovery of trace metals and rare earth elements</li><li>Reliable measurements at low and sub-ppb concentrations</li><li>Excellent sensitivity across a broad elemental range</li><li>Robust operation in challenging high-salt matrices</li><li>A single workflow applicable for seawater, brackish water, and concentrated brines</li></ul><p>For laboratories supporting lithium extraction, critical minerals programs, environmental monitoring, or industrial process control, these capabilities translate directly into higher confidence in analytical results and increased operational efficiency.</p><h3><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3><p>As industries increasingly rely on accurate elemental analysis of high-salinity samples, laboratories need instrumentation capable of balancing sensitivity, robustness, and productivity. The<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487"><strong> iCAP MSX ICP-MS </strong></a>provides a comprehensive solution for both industrial brine applications and environmental seawater monitoring, delivering accurate recoveries, low detection limits, and reliable performance across some of the most challenging matrices encountered in ICP-MS analysis.</p><p>From lithium extraction to environmental stewardship, the future of trace element analysis depends on technologies that can turn difficult samples into dependable data.</p><blockquote><p>Register for our on-demand webinar to learn more about the iCAP MX Series ICP-MS <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6398"><strong>New ICP-MS innovations to ignite productivity and efficiency in your laboratory</strong></a></p></blockquote><ul><li><strong>Visit us on&nbsp;</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/"><strong><u>LinkedIn:</u></strong></a>&nbsp;#ICPMS #EnvironmentalTesting #REEs #ElementalAnalysis</li></ul>

Trace Metal Analysis in High Salt Matrices by ICP-MS

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Use of uncertainty in compliance

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