Agilent ICP-MS Journal (July 2018. Issue 73)

Importance of ICP-MS in Commercial Laboratories

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has become a cornerstone technique for multi-element analysis in high-throughput contract testing labs. Its ultra-low detection limits, broad elemental coverage, and speed are critical for meeting stringent regulatory requirements in environmental monitoring, food safety, pharmaceutical quality control, and consumer product testing.

Objectives and Overview of the Article

This issue of the Agilent ICP-MS Journal reviews recent advances in instrument usability, analytical robustness, and total cost of ownership for Agilent’s 7800 and 7900 systems. Key topics include simplified method setup, enhanced matrix tolerance, extended detector dynamic range, and productivity gains through discrete sampling.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Software and Method Automation

• ICP-MS MassHunter software offers preset methods, a Method Wizard for custom protocols, and fully automated optimization routines.
• Application Packs deliver validated methods with pre-optimized conditions, reducing on-site development time.

• Matrix Handling and Interference Control

• High Matrix Introduction (HMI/UHMI) dilutes sample aerosol in-line, enabling tolerance of total dissolved solids up to 3 % (25 % with UHMI).
• He collision mode in the ORS cell effectively attenuates polyatomic interferences without complex corrections.
• Exceptional detector dynamic range (10 –11 orders of magnitude) measures trace (ppt) to major (1000 ppm) levels without retuning.

• Sample Introduction and Throughput

• ISIS-3 discrete sampling system decouples uptake, analysis, and rinse steps via a high-flow piston loop and switching valve, reducing cycle time by ~10 % and enabling 100+ additional billable samples per 20-hour day.

Main Results and Discussion

These hardware and software innovations greatly simplify method setup and maintenance. HMI/UHMI and He mode allow varied, high-matrix samples to be analyzed against simple calibrations. The broad dynamic range removes the need for multiple detector settings or isotopic switching. ISIS-3 minimizes downtime and lowers carryover, while long-life electron multiplier detectors extend maintenance intervals up to 6–10 years in typical high-throughput labs. Overall, these features reduce ownership costs and boost lab profitability.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Faster method implementation and consistent performance regardless of operator expertise.
• Reliable quantitation across diverse sample types without extensive sample preparation or matrix-matched standards.
• Increased sample throughput and reduced per-sample costs, supporting commercial lab profitability.
• Lower maintenance frequency and simplified consumable replacement.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Wider adoption of triple-quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QQQ) for challenging matrices and trace-level speciation workflows.
• Growth in on-demand training resources, webinars, and application libraries for advanced techniques such as nanoparticle analysis and laser ablation.
• Further integration of automated sampling, calibration, and data-quality checks to support 24/7 operation.
• Expansion into new fields, including geochemistry, semiconductor process monitoring, and emerging contaminants.

Conclusion

Agilent’s 7800 and 7900 ICP-MS platforms demonstrate that continual innovation in sample introduction, interference management, detector design, and software automation can deliver significant improvements in usability, throughput, and cost-efficiency. These advances enable commercial laboratories to meet evolving regulatory demands and drive profitability through reliable, multi-element analysis.

References

• No specific literature references were provided in the source text.