Evaluation of semiquantitative analysis mode in ICP-MS

Semiquantitative analysis mode in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been popularly used for fast screening purposes. Although the benefit of it has been studied by many researchers, its performance of application in real-world routine analyses has not been reported. In this study, we evaluated the reliability of semiquantitative analysis mode through inter-laboratory comparison using two different ICP-MS systems with one multi-element calibration standard. The suitability of semiquantitative analysis mode in routine analysis laboratory was demonstrated by evaluating its application in different laboratories and in real production laboratory practices. Twenty one elements were measured, namely, Be, B, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Tl, and Pb in various fresh water reference samples. Good results concerning accuracy (relative percentage error within 10%) and reproducibility (relative standard deviation lower than 5%) were obtained in more than 90% analyzed samples at concentrations equal to or greater than 10 times the detection limit (DL). Semiquantitative analysis mode also enabled the determination of elements that are not present in the calibration standard. The results demonstrated the potential of semiquantitative analysis mode as a reliable approach in routine laboratory determination of simple matrices, where high throughput and cost-effectiveness are desired, as well as in emergency situations where speed of analysis is critical and quite often limited sample information is available.