[Metals: common clinical applications in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry]

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is an analytical technique for inorganic, quantitative, and multi-elemental compounds commonly used in clinical biology. In recent years, it has gradually replaced atomic absorption techniques. It is based on the combination of an ion source formed of an inductively coupled plasma torch by a high-frequency electromagnetic generator, and a mass spectrometer, which allows the separation of ions generated according to their mass and energy. It allows the simultaneous detection of most metal and metalloid elements (about 80, 40 generally). It is extremely sensitive for determining analyte concentrations up to nanograms per liter. ICP-MS is fast and suitable for continued use on different types of biological samples. Its use requires, however, good knowledge of the different types of interferences, whether spectral or non-spectral. This method may require specific adaptations depending on the samples used due to the matrix effect. In this review, we will present the main principles of the realization of dosages, as well as the various devices currently commercialized. It is currently used for the determination of the most critical metals in clinical biochemistry, copper, zinc, and selenium, but also in clinical toxicology and pharmacology.