ICP-MS

What Is ICP-MS

ICP- MS is also called inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This is a microbiology test that is used to ionize coupled plasma samples. When the plasma samples are ionized they are turned into polyatomic and atomic ions. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is also used for isotopic labeling because this test has the ability to detect different isotopes as long as it is the same element. This test also can detect metals and non-metals in any liquid concentrations. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is better than some other microbiology test that functions similarly, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy. However, other tests are more accurate such as thermal ionization mass spectrometry and discharge mass spectrometry.

The reason why ICP-MS is better than atomic absorption spectroscopy is that it is faster and more precise. The reason why inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is not better than TIMS and GD-MS is because of the interfering species that it introduces into the sample such as argon which comes from the plasma.

What Is Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Used For

ICP-MS is broken down into two different tests. The first part of the test that is done is the ICP which stands for inductively coupled plasma. This particular technique analyzes a sample of the plasma to find out what elements are in the plasma. This is done by a process called ionization. After the ICP portion of the process is done, then the MS portion of the process starts. MS stands for the mass spectrometer. This part of the test is used to separate the ions in mass. Once the ions are separated, the mass spectrometer can determine the concentration of each element in the plasma individually. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis can only be performed if the sample is in liquid form. So if a solid or biological sample needs to be done, it will be digested before starting the analysis.

The best way to analyze the elements found in plasma is by using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis technique. If you do not want it to be a possibility of other species being in the analysis, then alternative testing such as TIMS and GD-MS should be considered.