Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Preparation of Food Samples Using Homogenization and Microwave-Assisted Wet Acid Digestion for Multi-Element Determination with ICP-MS
Published on: December 22, 2023
Automation of sample preparation workflow for trace elements testing by ICP-MS/MS
Difei Sun1, Donna Sealy2, Dorothy Truong1
1Medical-Scientific Department, LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Services, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Objectives:
Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a gold standard for testing trace elements. Despite its wide adoption in clinical laboratories, sample preparation workflows are typically manual and prone to environmental contamination. The objective of this study was to develop an automated sample preparation procedure for quantitation of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) in serum by ICP-MS/MS.
Methods:
Revvity Janus G3 expanded liquid handling workstation was customized to: (1) scan barcodes on specimen collection (primary) tubes and sample preparation (secondary) tubes to verify sample matching; (2) add diluent containing internal standards to secondary tubes; (3) aliquot blanks, calibrators, quality controls and human serum samples from standard rack or primary tubes to secondary tubes. Zn, Cu and Se were quantified by a multiplex ICP-MS/MS method.
Results:
The linear regression results between the automated (y) and the manual (x) sample preparation methods were y=1.04x-0.14 (R2=0.999, n=264), y=1.04x-0.22 (R2=0.998, n=264), and y=1.03x+0.00 (R2=0.994, n=264) for Zn, Cu and Se, respectively. A blank batch test was performed to assess the risk of environmental contamination during automated pipetting. Other validation studies including calibration preparation verification, accuracy, precision, and stability of standards, all met the acceptable performance limits.
Conclusions:
An automated sample preparation method was developed and validated for multiplex quantitation of Zn, Cu and Se in human serum using ICP-MS/MS. Since its implementation, we have observed quality improvements and hands-on time savings.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Overview
Bulk or large solid samples are typically reduced in size using grinding, crushing, or milling techniques to increase the...
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Interferences
Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Principle
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques
Acid digestion with strong acids is commonly used to dissolve inorganic materials that are insoluble (do not dissolve) in water. This method can be useful for...

