Agilent ICP Expert Software

Importance of the Topic

ICP-OES remains a cornerstone technique for multi-element analysis in environmental, food, pharmaceutical, and industrial laboratories. Efficient software control and data interpretation are critical to maximize instrument uptime, analytical accuracy, and laboratory productivity.

Objectives and Overview

This technical overview describes the features and smart tools built into the Agilent ICP Expert software that control the 5800 and 5900 ICP-OES instruments. The software aims to streamline method development, simplify routine analyses, integrate quality control, and provide proactive maintenance guidance.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Agilent ICP Expert software offers:

• Intuitive worksheet interface guiding users through method setup, sample introduction, and data acquisition
• Application-specific applets for rapid start-up and standardized workflows
• IntelliQuant Screening for semiquantitative elemental profiling of up to 70 elements in 15 seconds
• Outlier Conditional Formatting (OCF) to flag results outside defined thresholds for concentration, precision, or standards
• Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) using over 100 sensors to schedule proactive maintenance based on actual usage
• Intelligent Rinse and Neb Alert features to optimize sample throughput and detect nebulizer issues
• Full control of accessories such as the SPS 4 autosampler, IsoMist temperature chamber, Advanced Valve System (AVS), ESI prepFAST autodiluter, SampleSense, and recirculating chiller
• Spectral correction options including Fitted Background Correction (FBC), Off-Peak Correction, Fast Automated Curve-fitting Technique (FACT), and Inter-Element Correction (IEC)
• Extended dynamic range with MultiCal leveraging multiple wavelengths per element
• OpenLab Intelligent Reporting for customizable report templates including logos and pass/fail criteria
• Support for pharmaceutical regulatory methods USP<232>/<233> and ICH Q3D with J-value calculators and compliance flags
• Data export in CSV and LIMS-compatible formats with concurrent data processing during acquisition
• Remote automation via an SDK Automation Pack and optional 21 CFR Part 11 extension for audit trails and electronic signatures

Main Results and Discussion

By integrating these smart tools, ICP Expert transforms ICP-OES operation by reducing training time, minimizing manual method development, and improving data quality. IntelliQuant Screening accelerates initial sample assessment while OCF and QC functions ensure result integrity. EMF and Neb Alert decrease unplanned downtime. Advanced spectral correction algorithms like FACT enable accurate measurements in complex matrices.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Laboratories achieve:

• Faster method development and routine analyses with predeveloped templates and guided workflows
• Enhanced sample throughput through intelligent rinse cycles and automatic dilutions
• Robust quality control with built-in QC scheduling and compliance support
• Reduced maintenance costs via condition-based alerts and digital logs
• Improved spectral accuracy across diverse sample types including food, environmental, pharmaceutical, and industrial matrices

Future Trends and Possibilities

Emerging opportunities include cloud-based data sharing, integration with laboratory automation platforms, advanced machine-learning analytics for predictive maintenance and spectral deconvolution, and expanded remote operation capabilities to support decentralized laboratories.

Conclusion

Agilent ICP Expert software provides a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that enhances ICP-OES performance through smart method development, proactive maintenance features, and advanced spectral correction. It delivers tangible benefits in accuracy, efficiency, and compliance for a wide range of analytical applications.

References

• Agilent Technologies. IntelliQuant Software: For greater sample insight and simplified method development. Publication 5994-1516EN.
• Agilent Technologies. IntelliQuant Screening: Smarter and quicker semiquantitative ICP-OES analysis. Publication 5994-1518EN.
• Agilent Technologies. Fitted Background Correction (FBC)—Fast, accurate and fully-automated background correction. Publication 5991-4836EN.
• Agilent Technologies. Real-time Spectral Correction of Complex Samples using FACT Spectral Deconvolution Software. Publication 5991-4837EN.