Elemental Testing Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry in Clinical Laboratories

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Clinical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a powerful analytical technique.
• Traditional methods like AAS and ICP-OES have limitations in precision and sensitivity.
• ICP-MS offers significant advantages for elemental analysis in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles of various ICP-MS types.
• To highlight technical advancements for reducing spectral interferences.
• To demonstrate the suitability and applications of ICP-MS in clinical laboratories.

Main Methods:

• Literature survey of ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, and high-resolution ICP-MS.
• Review of technical aspects and clinical applications.
• Analysis of disease diagnosis and monitoring applications.

Main Results:

• ICP-MS provides superior precision, sensitivity, accuracy, and multielement capability compared to AAS and ICP-OES.
• Advanced technologies like collision/reaction cells and triple quadrupole ICP-MS reduce interferences.
• Clinical applications include toxic element determination, nutritional element quantification, and metabolic disease monitoring.

Conclusions:

• ICP-MS is a versatile tool for elemental analysis in clinical laboratories.
• Technical innovations have expanded its capabilities and reduced interferences.
• ICP-MS shows significant potential for current and emerging clinical applications.