Interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) have been used for more than a century and many important concepts are linked to them. This leaflet addresses the basic terminology of ILCs, why some colloquial terms can be misleading or misunderstood, and the importance of harmonisation.&nbsp;An ‘ILC’ is the organisation, performance and evaluation of measurements or tests on the same or similar items by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions [1]. ILCs have a variety of overall – and detailed – objectives, the three most common [2] being:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Let_s_call_a_PT_scheme_a_PT_scheme_3_9993b9fb0f.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Let’s call a PT scheme a PT scheme" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Let_s_call_a_PT_scheme_a_PT_scheme_3_9993b9fb0f.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1516" height="472"><h4>Some comparisons have special names&nbsp;</h4>The evaluation of participant (laboratory, organisation or individual) performance is typically referred to as ‘proficiency testing’ (PT) or ‘external quality assessment’ [1]. When the main objective is evaluating the performance of, for example, a candidate standard method, the ILC is often called a ‘method performance study’ or a ‘collaborative study’ [2, 3]. The former is quite clear whereas wording such as “collaborative” and “cooperative” just stresses joint effort. A project aimed at producing a new certified reference material may involve several laboratories conducting analyses on agreed properties [4]. Not surprisingly, this work is sometimes labelled as a ‘material certification study’. Special ILCs used to demonstrate measurement capabilities of National Metrology Institutes are called ‘key comparisons’, ‘supplementary comparisons’, and ‘pilot studies’ [5].&nbsp;<h4>Some terms can be confusing&nbsp;</h4>Other terms for ILCs, including ‘ring test’, ‘round robin’ and ‘circle analysis’, are common in the literature. They have, however, been used for different objectives and different designs and may be ambiguous or understood differently by laboratory staff. The use of these terms may, for example, imply a specific way of distributing the ILC sample. ISO/IEC 17043 uses ‘sequential scheme’, for a PT where a unique item is transferred between the participants and ‘simultaneous scheme’, in which similar items from a batch are distributed simultaneously to the participants [1].&nbsp;Terms like ‘measurement audit’, ‘interlaboratory testing scheme’, ‘measurement comparison scheme’, ‘rapid performance evaluation scheme’ and ‘intercalibration’ may not correctly reflect the category of laboratory involved, or the type of work participants do during the ILC.&nbsp;When in 1994 the IUPAC defined and described three major types of ‘interlaboratory studies’, the word ‘study’ was preferred to synonyms such as ‘trial’, ‘exercise’, ‘test’, ‘evaluation’ or ‘check’ [2].<h4>Let’s try to harmonise&nbsp;</h4>Many laboratory staff are unaware of official terms related to ILCs but recognise the acronym PT and words like ‘ring test’. Ideally, we would use a common scientific language, but harmonisation is time consuming. Terms appear and disappear and definitions change. The same term can be defined differently, even in different international standards. Lack of standards and guidelines in local languages can cause confusion and contribute to spreading of less appropriate terms.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Let_s_call_a_PT_scheme_a_PT_scheme_2_820043ce8b.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Let’s call a PT scheme a PT scheme" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Let_s_call_a_PT_scheme_a_PT_scheme_2_820043ce8b.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1006" height="671">Much confusion can be avoided by clear reference to relevant standards and sectoral guides. ISO/ IEC 17043 [1] and ISO 13528 [6] contain many important concepts related to PT schemes and other ILCs. Some of these are also incorporated into ISO/IEC 17025 [7]. Additional useful, and free, tools are the Eurachem PT Guide [8] and the ISO online browsing platform [9].&nbsp;In writing guidance and instructions, remember that the term ‘interlaboratory comparison’ has a broad meaning and can be used for all cases described above. Sometimes this is clear enough for the reader. In other cases, use acknowledged terms that reflect the detailed objective of the ILC. Let’s call a PT scheme a PT scheme!

Let’s call a PT scheme a PT scheme!

The countdown is on for one of the world’s leading conferences dedicated to food analysis. The 12th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA 2026), taking place in Prague from 3–6 November 2026, is approaching two important milestones: the Early Bird registration deadline and the deadline for oral abstract submissions, both ending on 30 June 2026. Researchers, analysts, industry professionals, regulators, and students are encouraged to secure their participation at a reduced registration rate and take advantage of the opportunity to present their latest scientific results to the international food analysis community.RAFA 2026 will once again bring together leading experts from academia, industry, and regulatory organizations to discuss the latest developments in food safety, authenticity, contaminants, non-target screening, PFAS, microplastics, food contact materials, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytical technologies. The preliminary program already features an outstanding lineup of internationally recognized speakers addressing some of the most pressing challenges in modern food analysis and food safety.<h3>Registration</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Register to attend RAFA 2026!</a>Early-bird registration until 30 June, 2026</blockquote>After successful submission of your registration, you will receive by e-mail (i) an automatic confirmation of receipt indicating the total amount of payment due (either for bank transfer or for on-line payment by card), (ii) login to Member section where you can administrate your profile, submit your abstracts, and from September 2026 register for satellite events, workshops and seminars. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your registration please contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.As soon as payment of registration fee is processed, you will also receive by e-mail (iii) confirmation of payment.<h4>Registration Fees</h4><ul><li>Smart rate (Until 30 June, 2026): € 655</li><li>Regular registration (Until 30 September, 2026): € 855</li><li>Late registration (From 1 October, 2026): € 955</li><li>Student rate*&nbsp;<ul><li>Until 30 June, 2026: € 465</li><li>From 1 July, 2026: € 605</li></ul></li></ul>* The proof of student status (e.g. copy of a student identify card) is requested as an attachment of the registration form.<h5>The regular registration fee will include:</h5><ul><li>Attendance at all scientific sessions, workshops, seminars, vendor seminars and other satellite events</li><li>Access to the poster and exhibition area</li><li>Conference kit (name badge, conference bag, conference documents, certificate of participation, certificate of presentation on request)</li><li>Final programme</li><li>E-Book of Abstracts</li><li>Coffee breaks</li><li>Buffet luncheons</li><li>Welcome drink</li></ul>In the registration form you can register free of charge for the welcome drink and you can also order ticket(s) for the conference dinner (€ 85).Please note that your registration is firm when your payment has been received.<h3>Abstract submission</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Submit your ABSTRACT HERE!</a>In order to submit an abstract, you must first register to attend RAFA 2026. After registration you will receive an access to the Member section where you can submit your abstract(s).</blockquote>&nbsp;After successful submission of your abstract you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt of submitted abstract via e-mail. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your abstract please check at first your spam box-mail and then contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.Please ensure that your abstract does not contain spelling, grammatical or scientific errors. Even though modifications of your submitted abstract will be allowed in the Abstract section of the Member section until the deadline for the abstract submission, please be confident on the lack of errors in your final version prior to starting the submission process.The abstract will be reproduced exactly as submitted. No proofreading will be done, although some corrections may be requested by the reviewers.If you need to withdraw your abstract, a written statement reflecting the reasons for this decision must be sent to RAFA2026@vscht.cz no later than September 30, 2026.<h4>Important notice:</h4><blockquote>1 registered participant can submit no more than 2 abstracts.</blockquote>To apply for a young scientist’s oral presentation, as an indication please respect the rule that you should be born in 1991 or later.The text of the abstract should be limited to 3000 characters including spaces. Tables and pictures are not allowed.Abstracts of oral presentations and posters will be included into the "e-Book of Abstracts" only after receipt of the conference registration fee. Any payment of the registration fee has to be received until September 30, 2026, otherwise contribution(s) will not be included into the e-Book of Abstracts and the Conference programme.<h3>Program</h3><h4>Invited Speakers</h4><h5>Food allergen risk assessment: Past, present, future</h5><ul><li>Ben Remington from Remington Consulting Group B.V., Utrecht, the Netherlands &amp; University of Nebraska, USA</li></ul>Food allergy and allergen management are global public health issues, and consumer protection depends on transparent and trustworthy labelling. While 30 years of scientific advances show that low level exposures, or reference doses, are unlikely to trigger reactions in most allergic individuals, harmonized and globally aligned regulations are still needed to promote consistent allergen risk assessment and labelling decisions. This presentation will discuss the landscape of allergen risk assessment, global policy developments, current research and future needs in the area.<h5>Unmasking hidden adulteration in honey: Strategies for detecting and characterizing honeys produced from sugar-fed colonies</h5><ul><li>Oscar Nuñez Burcio from University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain</li></ul>From hive to jar, not all honey tells the same story. This presentation addresses hidden adulteration associated with sugar-fed bee colonies, highlighting implications for authenticity, production practices, and the need for a more precise characterization of honey to ensure consumer trust.<h5>Analytical and toxicological methods for safety of food contact materials</h5><ul><li>Erich Leitner from Graz University of Technology, Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz, Austria</li></ul>Food packaging plays a critical role in protecting and preserving food throughout the supply chain. All packaging materials intended to come into contact with food must comply with strict EU safety rules. Due to increased complexity of packaging solutions, lowering legal limits and increasing numbers of target compounds, we also have to adapt the strategies used to verify and guarantee the safety of these materials.<h5>Data-driven strategies to reduce complexity in non-target HRMS analysis of food samples</h5><ul><li>Anneli Kruve from Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden</li></ul>LC/HRMS based non-target screening can detect hundreds to thousands of chemical features in complex food and environmental samples. Investigating all of these in detail is practically impossible, so which ones to focus on? Novel computational tools developed in computational mass spectrometry allow predicting the toxicity and concentration of the detected chemical features even if these have not yet been fully structurally elucidated. Combining these predictions enables us to focus on the chemical features possessing high risk.<h5>Role of AI in the identification of emerging food systems risks</h5><ul><li>Ákos Bernard Jóźwiak from Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary</li></ul>AI-assisted evidence synthesis – spanning curated scientific evidence, exposome data, and network analysis – is the backbone of next-generation emerging chemical food safety risk identification, enabling earlier signals and more resilient surveillance systems.<h5>Challenges of microplastics analysis in the context of food safety</h5><ul><li>Dorte Herzke from Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway</li></ul>Food and food packaging are major sources of micro- and nanoplastic exposure. Plastics used in processing, storage, and packaging can release particles through heat, abrasion, and degradation. Small particles below 2 µm may cross gut barriers and carry chemicals, highlighting the need for robust and sensitive measurement methods.<h5>Never-ending analytical challenges in PFAS analysis of food</h5><ul><li>Darina Dvořáková from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia</li></ul>Exploring and monitoring PFAS in food requires advanced strategies. Combining targeted, suspect, and non-target HRMS analysis, determination of total fluorine and sum parameters, and novel sensors provides new insights into PFAS occurrence and supports food safety monitoring.<h5>An overview of the latest scientific knowledge on process contaminants in food for appropriate risk management measures</h5><ul><li>Thierry Delatour from Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.</li></ul>Recent scientific findings related to acrylamide and furans formation, occurrence and analytical methods in food provide important insights for risk management.

Deadline for RAFA 2026 Early Registration and Oral Abstract Submission is approaching

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 22nd June 2026? 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 technical note by Agilent Technologies, application note by Shimadzu and other document by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Dual-Cell System (DCS) and Advanced Helium Mode (AHM)</h3>Technological developments for higher sensitivity and better interference removal than traditional He-KED<ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/te_batch_conversion_tool_9500_icp_ms_5994_9214en_agilent_0a1bba76e2.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>Evolution of Agilent’s Collision Reaction Cell (CRC) technology&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>2001: Launched the first ICP-MS with CRC—the Agilent 7500c with Octopole Reaction System (ORS)&nbsp;</li><li>2011: Introduced High Energy Helium Mode (HEHe) using Collision Induced Dissociation (CID)&nbsp;</li><li>2012: Released the world’s first Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS—the Agilent 8800 ICP-QQQ&nbsp;</li><li>2016: Launched the second generation Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS with Axial Acceleration—the Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ&nbsp;</li><li>2026: Introduced the innovative Dual-Cell System (DCS) and Advanced Helium Mode (AHM) for the Agilent 9500 ICP-QQQ</li></ul>Collision/Reaction Cell (CRC) technology is now a standard feature in modern ICP-MS systems, providing a reliable means of eliminating spectral interferences that compromise data quality. ICP-MS systems with integrated CRCs range from single quadrupole (SQ) ICP-MS used in environmental and food analysis, to triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QQQ) for advanced research applications. For routine applications, Helium Kinetic Energy Discrimination (He KED) mode, commonly referred to as helium mode (He mode), is the most widely used CRC operational mode. The widespread use of He mode is due to its universal effectiveness in reducing a broad range of polyatomic interferences without the need for element-specific optimization.&nbsp;Unlike CRCs that rely on reactive cell gases and require complex tuning (often referred to as reaction cells), He mode effectively mitigates many commonly occurring polyatomic ion interferences without the need for intricate adjustments. In contrast, reaction cells often require careful selection of gas type (such as ammonia or oxygen) and tuning parameters based on the specific interfering ions on analytes of interest.&nbsp;Building on the simplicity of He mode, Agilent has developed Advanced Helium Mode (AHM) for the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=9500">Agilent 9500 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QQQ)</a>. AHM represents a breakthrough in interference removal technology, enabled by the newly designed Agilent Dual-Cell System (DCS) and high-speed cell voltage control. These innovations deliver high sensitivity across the mass range and superior interference removal performance for routine applications. Compared to conventional He mode, AHM demonstrates the following improvements:<ul><li>Around a 20-fold sensitivity improvement for low-mass elements, such as beryllium (Be) and boron (B)&nbsp;</li><li>Around a 2-fold improvement for mid-to-high mass elements&nbsp;</li><li>A reduction of more than 33% in data acquisition time while maintaining detection limits (DLs), accelerating analytical measurement times&nbsp;</li></ul>AHM not only replaces traditional He KED but also consolidates multiple tuning modes including no gas, He, and HEHe into a single, streamlined mode. Integrated into the 9500 ICP-QQQ, AHM is a next-generation standard He mode that is faster, simpler, and delivers higher performance than its predecessor. This technical note describes the performance enhancement mechanisms of the DCS and AHM. It also includes some comparative results with conventional He KED mode to highlight the analytical improvements of AHM.<h4>Overview and advantages of AHM&nbsp;</h4>Typically, multi-element ICP-MS methods apply no gas mode to the determination of low-mass elements like Be and B due to low sensitivity in traditional He KED mode. Consequently, many routine ICP-MS applications have required multiple tune setups, combining no gas, He, and HEHe. Each mode switch introduces a delay due to cell pressure stabilization requirements.&nbsp;In practice, low-mass elements (m/z &lt; 23) are generally unaffected by polyatomic ion interferences, so KED is often unnecessary. Therefore, in AHM, different voltages are applied to the DCS (effectively disabling KED) for low-mass elements, while keeping standard settings for elements with m/z ≥ 23.&nbsp;The DCS voltages are dynamically switched in sync with Q2 using a high-speed voltage control circuit, providing over 20× sensitivity improvement for low-mass elements compared to conventional He mode. AHM eliminates the need to run in no gas mode, greatly simplifying the method. As a default approach, AHM alone is suitable for most applications.1<h3>2. Shimadzu: Damping Force Characteristic Test of Suspension Struts [JASO C611]</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01017_en_2fbbb9c247.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User Benefits</h5><ul><li>Damping force characteristic tests on suspension struts can be performed based on the JASO C611 standard.&nbsp;</li><li>Combination test enables automatic speed change and measurement.&nbsp;</li><li>High responsiveness of the EMT series enables testing at high excitation speed.</li></ul>Various components play an important role in achieving a comfortable ride in vehicles. Among them, the suspension strut used in the suspension system is an important component that stabilizes the vehicle body by mitigating the impact caused by uneven road surfaces.&nbsp;“JASO C611 Suspension Struts for Automobiles”1), a standard of JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization), established by JSAE, specifies the definition, quality, and test method for suspension struts. There is no international standard that is equivalent to JASO C611.&nbsp;In order to improve the performance of suspension struts, it is necessary to measure the damping force against speed by changing the excitation speed. The performance of suspension struts can be confirmed by measuring the response, such as the relationship between speed and damping force and the Lissajous waveform.&nbsp;This article introduces an example of the test method “Damping Force Characteristic Test” specified in JASO C611, which was conducted on a Shimadzu EMT series electromagnetic fatigue testing machine.<h4>Testing Equipment&nbsp;</h4>The EMT-1kNV-50 electromagnetic dynamic and fatigue testing machine was used in this test. Fig. 1 shows a photograph of the testing machine. The electromagnetic actuator with extremely high frequency response enables highly accurate dynamic testing. In this test, the maximum test speed was 0.6 m/s. The EMT seriesis most suitable for testing at such high frequencies.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>A damping force characteristic test on a suspension strut based on JASO C611 was conducted using an EMT series electromagnetic fatigue testing machine and Windows software for 4830. The test conditions were set using the excitation speed, and it was confirmed that the test was accurately controlled as set. The standard “JASO C611 Suspension Struts for Automobiles” referred to this time is derived from “JASO C602 Automotive Parts - Telescopic Shock Absorbers for Suspension Systems”2). Although C602 also prescribes a damping force characteristic test, it is almost equivalent to the C611, and the test machine configuration can be used by replacing the jig.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2206">Hypulse Surface Analysis System</a></h3><ul><li>Other document</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Hypulse_DS_0516_EN_05_2025_1998238_WEB_0e44628a5e.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>Key features&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Unique depth profiling capability. The femtosecond laser ablation system provides controlled material removal without inducing chemical damage to your sample.&nbsp;</li><li>Fast, efficient XPS. Quick sample pump-down times, a unique sample viewing system, and high sensitivity for all analysis areas help ensure exceptional data quality, even for highly challenging samples.&nbsp;</li><li>Co-incident additional spectroscopy. Optimize the information obtained from features of interest with the addition of optional analytical techniques, including ion scattering spectroscopy, reflected electron energy loss spectroscopy, and UV photoelectron spectroscopy.&nbsp;</li><li>Fully featured software. The latest version of the Avantage Data System is included for data collection and analysis, with the ability to import data into Thermo Scientific Maps Software for correlation with electron microscopy images.</li></ul><h4>Technical highlights&nbsp;</h4><h5>Micro-focused, monochromated aluminum K-alpha X-ray source&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Computer-controlled quartz-crystal monochromator&nbsp;</li><li>Software-adjustable spot size&nbsp;</li><li>Spot size range: 10–400 μm&nbsp;</li><li>Motorized, water-cooled anode with 16 positions&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Electron optics and analyzer</h5><ul><li>Electrostatic objective lens&nbsp;</li><li>Full 180° hemispherical μ-metal shielded analyzer&nbsp;</li><li>Continuously selectable pass energy: 1–400 eV&nbsp;</li><li>128-channel, signature-corrected, positionsensitive detector&nbsp;</li><li>Automatic energy scale and transmission function calibration&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Charge compensation system&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Patented dual-beam electron and ion source&nbsp;</li><li>Beam energy for charge compensation: 0–5 eV&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Femtosecond-laser ablation system&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Fully integrated 1,030 nm pulsed femtosecond-laser source&nbsp;</li><li>Class 1 laser system&nbsp;</li><li>Tunable pulse energy up to 1 mJ&nbsp;</li><li>Computer-controlled attenuation optimizes ablation conditions&nbsp;</li><li>Beam imaging module for system calibration and alignment</li></ul>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 26, 2026

Article

Events

Application

Academy

RAFA provides an overview of contemporary trends in ANALYTICAL & BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discusses CHALLENGES / NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA)

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Extracting the full potential of trace elemental analysis instrumentation to meet regulatory, compliance and performance requirements: Part 3 Triple quadrupole ICP-MS
Join this virtual demonstration of the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQe/TQ ICP-MS to learn how to easily meet and surpass regulatory requirements for your trace elemental analysis. In this online seminar we will focus on three key markets and demonstrate how the hardware and software of the iCAP TQe/TQ enhance performance and simplify your analysis.
The three markets covered are: 
Clinical research – Obtain high accuracy results in complex samples with reaction cell technology. 
Water analysis – Discover how to run a complete analytical suite using oxygen reaction cell mode only. Find out about how to improve sample turnaround time and validate large data sets quickly. 
Food and beverage – Learn how to improve detection limits for key elements such as As and Se by utilizing reaction cell chemistry. 
This online seminar will conclude with a short panel discussion around the new regulations within each market and how the instrument hardware and software features future-proof your laboratory. 
Learning points:
<ul>
<li>Discover how the Thermo Scientific iCAP TQe/TQ hardware features provide you with enhanced interference removal. 
</li>
<li>Learn how optimised software tools enable triple quadrupole technology to be easily integrated into both routine and research analysis. 
</li>
<li>Find out how instruments from Thermo Fisher Scientific future-proof your lab, preparing you for stricter regulations with ever decreasing limits of detection, higher accuracy and better stability requirements.
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend? 
<ul>
<li>Laboratory managers and analysts who have specific analytical challenges with interferences. 
</li>
<li>Researchers who want to be ready for future challenges in trace elemental analysis. 
</li>
<li>Laboratory leaders who want to leverage the full potential of their instrument.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Matthew Gregory (Specialist, Sales Support, TEA &amp; DIA, UK &amp; Ireland, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After graduating from the University of Surrey with an MChem in Chemistry, Matthew has gained 15 years’ experience of trace elemental analysis in industry, working in environmental and precious metal research laboratories. In 2018 Matthew joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as an Applications Specialist for the Trace Elemental Analysis product range in the UK and Ireland.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Niel Williams (Specialist, Sales Support, TEA &amp; DIA, UK &amp; Ireland, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After graduating in 2014, Niel first joined Teledyne Advanced Chemistry systems as an applications specialist and later technical sales specialist. In 2019, he took the role of applications specialist for the Trace Elemental Analysis product range in the UK and Ireland at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Niel holds a BSc in Geology and Planetary science and a PhD in Isotope Geochemistry from the University of Manchester.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Simon Nelms (Product Marketing Manager TEA, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Simon joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 1996 as an applications specialist for ICP-MS, before taking a 2-year postdoctoral sabbatical at IRMM in Belgium. He re-joined the company in 2000 and in 2014 moved into Regional Marketing for the EMEA area. Simon has recently joined the Product Marketing team, covering trace elemental analysis accessories and software.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Triple quadrupole ICP-MS Educational Webinar

Triple quadrupole ICP-MS Educational Webinar

How the hardware and software of the iCAP TQe/TQ enhance performance and simplify your analysis.

The issue of spectral interferences in quadrupole ICP-MS and the negative effects these have on trace element data accuracy and detection limits has been known since the early days of the technology.
During the 1990’s, the advent of collision cell technology enabled significant reduction of a range of the most well-known interferences, such as ArO (on Fe), ArCl (on As) and ArAr (on Se) to be achieved, but challenges, such as doubly-charged ion and isobaric (same isotope mass) overlap interference, remained. The development of triple quadrupole ICP-MS in the last few years has provided a solution to these challenges by enabling much more selective interference control. With triple quadrupole instruments, this selectivity is achieved through a combination of mass pre-filtering prior to the collision cell of the instrument and use of reactive gases, such as oxygen, hydrogen and ammonia in the cell, to remove interferences via chemical reactions. In part 1 of this this 2-part webinar series, the theory and practice of triple quadrupole ICP-MS in comparison to single quadrupole ICP-MS will first be presented. The focus of the presentation will then move on to the performance of a new, workhorse instrument that utilises only He and O2 collision / reaction cell gases to remove the most commonly encountered interferences, the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQe triple quadrupole ICP-MS.
Key takeaways from the webinar:
<ul>
<li>What performance advantages triple quadrupole ICP-MS offers over single quadrupole instruments
</li>
<li>Which elements benefit from the enhanced interference removal capabilities of triple quadrupole technology
</li>
<li>What range of instruments are available for meeting the demands of both high throughput, day-to-day applications and research studies
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend:
<ul>
<li>Analysts working in the area of elemental analysis
</li>
<li>Laboratory managers looking to improve their trace element data accuracy
</li>
<li>Research academics and students who need more flexible ICP-MS technology for removing elemental interferences and reducing detection limits
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Matthew Gregory (Sales Support Specialist, Trace Elemental Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After graduating from the University of Surrey with an MChem in Chemistry, Matthew has gained 15 years’ experience of trace elemental analysis in industry, working in environmental and precious metal research laboratories. In 2018 Matthew joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as an Applications Specialist for the Trace Elemental Analysis product range in the UK and Ireland.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: iCAP TQe ICP-MS: For samples where single quadrupole performance isn’t enough

iCAP TQe ICP-MS: For samples where single quadrupole performance isn’t enough

Theory and practice of triple quadrupole ICP-MS in comparison to single quadrupole ICP-MS.

For samples where single quadrupole performance isn’t enough

In part 1 of this 2-part webinar series, the theory and practice of triple quadrupole ICP-MS in comparison to single quadrupole ICP-MS was presented and our new iCAP™ TQe triple quadrupole ICP-MS was introduced.
The iCAP TQe offers enhanced removal of the most commonly encountered interferences, such as argon based polyatomic species and doubly charged rare earth element interferences, using only helium and oxygen collision / reaction cell gases. However, there are some interferences (such as GdO (on Yb) and PtH (on Au)) that cannot be fully eliminated with just helium and oxygen cell gases and for these interferences the even more reactive gas, ammonia, is required. There are also some applications, such as measurement of 40Ca (which is strongly interfered by 40Ar) that benefit from the use of hydrogen cell gas. In part 2 of this webinar series, the capabilities of our fully flexible triple quadrupole ICP-MS, the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQ for removing more complex and challenging interferences will be described and results for selected applications that require use of hydrogen and ammonia cell gases will be presented.
Key takeaways from the webinar:
<ul>
<li>What performance advantages triple quadrupole ICP-MS offers over single quadrupole instruments
</li>
<li>Which elements benefit from the enhanced interference removal capabilities of triple quadrupole technology
</li>
<li>What range of instruments are available for meeting the demands of both high throughput, day-to-day applications and research studies
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend? 
<ul>
<li>Analysts working in the area of elemental analysis
</li>
<li>Laboratory managers looking to improve their trace element data accuracy
</li>
<li>Research academics and students who need more flexible ICP-MS technology for removing elemental interferences and reducing detection limits
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Niel Williams (Application Specialist, Trace Elemental Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Niel graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in Geology and planetary science and a PhD in Isotope Cosmochemistry. Following on from this Niel worked for Teledyne Advanced Chemistry systems as an applications specialist specialising in Laser Ablation and liquid sample introduction systems. In 2019 Niel joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as an applications specialist for the Trace Elemental Analysis product range in the UK and Ireland.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: iCAP TQ ICP-MS: For samples where even the iCAP TQe capabilities aren’t enough

iCAP TQ ICP-MS: For samples where even the iCAP TQe capabilities aren’t enough

Capabilities of our fully flexible triple quadrupole ICP-MS, the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQ for removing more complex and challenging interferences.

For samples where the iCAP TQe capabilities aren’t enough

<ul>
<li>Advances in triple quadrupole ICP-MS for environmental analysis
</li>
<li>Maximizing your lab productivity with true high pressure ion chromatography solutions
</li>
<li>Analysis of VOC and GRO in Water using the TriPlus 500 GC-MS Headspace Autosampler
</li>
<li>At the end of the presentations there will be time for you to ask any questions you have using the chat box
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Simon Nelms (Regional Marketing Manager, Trace Elemental, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
With the advent of triple quadrupole technology, a new level of interference removal in ICP-MS has been achieved. The implementation of an additional quadrupole before the collision cell of the instrument allows pre-filtering of the ion beam to selectively transmit only the masses of interest, which alleviates the problem of unwanted side interference production in the cell through collisions between other masses in the sample and the cell gas. This pre-filtering capability also allows selective chemical reactions to be conducted in the cell to enhance polyatomic interference removal and, in many cases, solve the problem of isobaric overlap. In this presentation, the latest advances in triple quadrupole ICP-MS technology and how these apply to routine analysis of environmental will be described.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Seif Mohey (Technical Sales Manager Ion Chromatography, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
This presentation summarizes how ion chromatography has evolved over the years into today’s multimode technique suitable for solving analytical problems in all areas of interest. The Reagent-Free Ion Chromatography (RFIC) systems with electrolytic eluent generation make it possible to perform a wide range of ion chromatographic separations using only deionized water as eluent ( Just Add water Technology ). Our top of the range, Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ICS-6000 HPIC™ system is a modular ion chromatograph, configurable as a single or dual channel system equipped with a modern tablet interface and interactive wellness features offering superior column chemistries to maximize productivity and ease of use. This presentation brings out the advantages of using the ICS-6000 in different applications.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Environmental testing laboratories involved in volatile organics determination in water and soil samples will benefit of the innovative design of theThermo Scientific™ TriPlus™ 500 HS autosampler offering scalable productivity, extended recovery and data quality, at the best cost/value. Gasoline Range Organics (GRO) are highly volatile compounds that can be easily extracted from the matrix without the need for time-consuming sample preparation. These chemicals are often present in the environment, especially in ground water and soil, mainly due to contamination incidents during handling, storing or transporting oil and related products. The TriPlus 500 HS autosampler offers a very efficient extraction of the volatiles, maximizing the sensitivity in shorter cycle times. The coupling with the GC-FID configuration provides a rugged solution for quantitative determination of volatile hydrocarbons at ppb levels, representing a robust analytical tool for routine environmental laboratories.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Innovations in Environmental Analysis

Innovations in Environmental Analysis

Advances in triple quadrupole ICP-MS for environmental analysis.

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is one of the most powerful techniques used in elemental analysis for environmental applications.
It provides the advantages of low detection limits, easy quantification, and high throughput. However, experience and best practice are necessary to best use the technique. This webcast series focuses on both routine regulatory monitoring (Part I) and solutions to improve productivity and overcome the challenges of high-matrix samples (Part II). In addition, we will discuss the use of triple quadrupole ICP-MS to meet the needs of environmental researchers and specialty environmental applications.
The webcast will cover the following:
<ul>
<li>Environmental regulations in both the U.S. and Europe
</li>
<li>Tips and tricks on EPA Methods 200.8 and 6020
</li>
<li>Autodilution for productivity improvement for high-matrix samples
</li>
<li>Advanced environmental sample analysis using triple quadrupole ICP-MS
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Marcus Manecki (Application Specialist for ICP-MS, Chromatography &amp; Mass Spectrometry Division, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Marcus graduated with a degree in Marine Chemistry at the University of Oldenburg, Germany, in 2010. Following that, Marcus joined the Organic Trace Substances Group at the Institute for Baltic Sea Research in Rostock, Germany, for three years. His main research interest at that time was the highly complex composition of dissolved organic matter and its interaction with different microbial communities. Marcus joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2014 as Product Specialist for ICP-MS. He is involved in finding solutions for the high throughput analysis of challenging sample types.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dhinesh Asogan (Product Specialist for ICP-MS, Chromatography &amp; Mass Spectrometry Division, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dhinesh read Chemistry with Forensic Analysis at Loughborough University in the UK, graduating in 2005. He then joined the Centre for Innovative and Collaborative Engineering there and completed an Engineering Doctorate in laser ablation ICP-MS for semiconductor materials in 2012. From there, he joined CETAC Technologies (now Teledyne CETAC Technologies) as the European Technical Specialist for Sample Introduction Systems in Trace Elemental Spectroscopy, and then became the Laser Ablation Product Manager based in Omaha, USA. In 2016, Dhinesh joined Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbH as a Product Specialist in ICP-MS responsible for supporting challenging advanced applications, such as laser ablation ICP-MS.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Trace Element Analysis Using ICP-MS for Environmental Samples, Part Two: Meeting Routine Monitoring and Research Challenges

Trace Element Analysis Using ICP-MS for Environmental Samples, Part Two: Meeting Routine Monitoring and Research Challenges

Routine regulatory monitoring and solutions to improve productivity and overcome the challenges of high-matrix samples.

Trace Element Environmental Analysis Using ICP-MS

Single Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometers (ICP-MS) are a long-established tool for the analysis of trace elements in a variety of sample types.
With help of a collision cell, they can overcome most interferences and determine key contaminants across many application areas with low detection limits. This is why they are commonly found in laboratories analyzing all kinds of water samples, soils, foods and feed or industrial products. Over the last years, ICP-MS systems with triple quadrupole mass analyzers (TQ-ICP-MS), enabling advanced interference removal based on reactive gases such as oxygen or ammonia, have increasingly found their way from research driven applications into applied analytical sciences, but are still not found in large number of laboratories providing service testing at a large scale. This is despite their proven track record of providing superior interference removal, improving right results first time, and increasing confidence in &quot;right first time&quot; results. The underlying reasons are mainly because of the higher initial investment not only in the instrument as such, but also in additional laboratory infrastructure, such as providing additional gases like ammonia to the lab.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand the differences in hardware and how they translate into better interference removal and superior detection limits
</li>
<li>See how triple quadrupole ICP-MS can help you to overcome challenges in sample type, independent of the matrix.
</li>
<li>Understand what is needed in order to leverage the full potential of a triple quadrupole ICP-MS.
</li>
<li>Learn how triple quadrupole ICP-MS can help you to improve lab efficiency and realize time savings
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Daniel Kutscher (Product Marketing Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Magda Mandic (ICP-MS Product Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Understanding the Benefits of Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS in Everyday Analysis

Understanding the Benefits of Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS in Everyday Analysis

Understand the differences in hardware and how they translate into better interference removal and superior detection limits.

ICPMS webinars focusing on ICP/MS/MS - page 6