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Related Concept Videos

Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview01:19

Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview

In inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS), an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch is used as an atomizer and ionizer. Solid samples are dissolved and volatilized before being introduced into the high-temperature argon plasma, while solution samples are nebulized and passed through the high-temperature argon plasma. Plasma dissociates the analytes and ionizes their component atoms to form a mixture of positive ions and molecular species. The positive ions are then passed on to...
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Overview01:21

Sample Preparation for Analysis: Overview

Sample preparation is an essential step in the analytical process. It involves preparing a sample so that it can be analyzed accurately. The goal is to extract the analyte, the substance you want to measure, from the sample while removing any components that may interfere with the analysis. Sample preparation techniques vary depending on the physical state of the sample.
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): Interferences01:20

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Interferences

Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) is a highly selective and sensitive technique for accurate elemental analysis. Though the analysis of ICP–MS mass spectra is comparatively straightforward, it is affected by spectroscopic and non-spectroscopic interferences. Spectroscopic interferences arise when the plasma contains ionic species with an m/z value the same as the analyte ion. Spectroscopic interference can be categorized as isobaric, polyatomic ions, and refractory oxide ion...
Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Principle01:19

Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Principle

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the most widely used plasma source in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), also known as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The ICP source, or torch, consists of three concentric quartz tubes with argon gas flowing through them. A spark from a Tesla coil initiates the ionization of argon, generating a high-temperature plasma.
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques01:08

Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques

Accurate analysis of complex samples often requires advanced preparation techniques to achieve reliable and reproducible results. Samples containing inorganic or organic materials can be challenging to dissolve or decompose effectively. Standard sample preparation methods include acid digestion, fusion, dry ashing, and wet digestion.
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...

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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
06:53

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.

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
|July 11, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Automating sample preparation for trace element analysis in serum using ICP-MS/MS significantly improves quality and reduces hands-on time. This validated method accurately quantifies zinc, copper, and selenium, overcoming manual preparation challenges.

Keywords:
automationinductively coupled plasma–tandem mass spectrometrypreanalyticalquality improvementtrace elements

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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

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Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))
04:48

Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))

Published on: May 4, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Laboratory Automation

Background:

  • Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a standard for trace element testing.
  • Manual sample preparation in clinical labs is time-consuming and susceptible to contamination.
  • Accurate quantification of elements like zinc, copper, and selenium is crucial for diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate an automated sample preparation workflow for serum trace element analysis.
  • To enable multiplex quantitation of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) using ICP-MS/MS.
  • To address limitations of manual sample preparation, including environmental contamination and variability.

Main Methods:

  • A Revvity Janus G3 liquid handling workstation was customized for automated sample preparation.
  • The system performed barcode scanning, internal standard addition, and sample/standard aliquoting.
  • Quantification of Zn, Cu, and Se was performed using a multiplex ICP-MS/MS method.

Main Results:

  • The automated method showed excellent correlation with manual preparation (R² > 0.994 for all elements).
  • Blank batch tests indicated minimal risk of environmental contamination.
  • Validation studies confirmed accuracy, precision, and stability, meeting performance limits.

Conclusions:

  • A fully automated sample preparation method for serum trace elements (Zn, Cu, Se) using ICP-MS/MS was successfully developed and validated.
  • Implementation led to observed quality improvements and significant hands-on time savings.
  • This automation enhances the reliability and efficiency of trace element testing in clinical settings.