ArabLab: Discovering The Cutting Edge of Trace Elemental Analysis: Introducing the iCAP TQ ICP-MS

Importance of the Topic

The development of triple quadrupole ICP-MS addresses critical challenges in trace elemental analysis by combining robust interference removal with high sensitivity. This capability is vital across diverse fields such as environmental monitoring, clinical research, metallurgy and advanced speciation studies.

Goals and Overview of the Study

This article introduces the Thermo Scientific iCAP TQ ICP-MS platform and evaluates its performance in resolving complex spectral overlaps. Key case studies include determination of titanium in calcium-rich serum, selenium impurities in nickel alloys and arsenic/selenium measurements in environmental matrices.

Methodology

The triple quadrupole approach employs Q1 to pre-filter ions by mass, Q2 as a reaction or collision cell with gases such as NH3, O2 or H2, and Q3 to isolate product ions. This sequential mass filtering and controlled chemical reaction scheme drastically reduces isobaric and polyatomic interferences. Sample preparation ranged from simple dilution for urine and serum to microwave-assisted digestion for blood. Environmental and metallurgical samples were analyzed after acid digestion or direct liquid introduction.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific iCAP TQ ICP-MS (Triple quadrupole)
• Optional comparative systems: iCAP RQ ICP-MS (Single quadrupole), ELEMENT2/XR HR-ICP-MS, NEPTUNE Plus MC-ICP-MS

Main Results and Discussion

• Titanium in Serum: TQ-NH3 mode achieved accurate measurement of 48Ti at sub-ng·mL⁻¹ levels, eliminating 48Ca and POH interferences that affected single quadrupole modes. Recovery matched certified values within 95–100%.
• Selenium in Nickel Alloys: Using TQ-O2 mode shifted Se to SeO+, fully resolving NiO and Ar dimer overlaps. Detection limits improved five-fold compared to collision cell methods, enabling reliable quantification at low ppm levels.
• Arsenic and Selenium in Environmental Samples: Mass-shift with O2 converted As+ and Se+ to oxide ions, avoiding REE2+ interferences. Triple quadrupole mode delivered background equivalent concentrations (BEC) near single-digit ng·L⁻¹ and excellent spike recoveries (94–98%).
• Multielement Analysis: The system demonstrated simultaneous quantification of over 30 elements in biological fluids from sub-ppb to ppm concentration ranges.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced specificity and lower detection limits in complex matrices
• Streamlined method development via automated Reaction Finder
• High throughput with unattended dilution and intelligent workflow in Qtegra ISDS software
• Applicability in clinical toxicology, environmental compliance, food safety, nanoparticle characterization and metallurgy quality control

Future Trends and Possibilities

Advances may include deeper integration with chromatographic separation for speciation, AI-driven method optimization, expanded use of novel reaction gases, and further automation in sample handling. Emerging applications in nanomaterials, metabolomics and isotopic ratio measurements are poised to benefit from TQ-ICP-MS capabilities.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific iCAP TQ ICP-MS platform redefines trace elemental analysis by delivering unmatched interference removal and sensitivity. Its versatility across diverse application domains ensures reliable, accurate results and sets a new standard for routine and advanced ICP-MS workflows.