Trace-element concentrations
Trace-element concentrations
Material Analysis · Composition & Elemental
ICP-MS Elemental Analysis
ICP-MS elemental analysis for trace-element questions, with matrix, digestion, target elements and reporting limits reviewed before quotation.
- Price
- from£186 per sample, excl. VATExisting family starting price, not a confirmed method-specific quotation. Method, matrix, preparation and reporting scope require review.A £45 service fee applies to orders under £300, excluding VAT.
- Turnaround
- 8–12 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- PerkinElmer NexION 5000Analytik Jena PlasmaQuant MS Elite
- Typical outputs
- Agreed elemental concentration tableElement-specific reporting limitsPreparation and dilution recordCalibration and quality-control record
Why this service
What ICP-MS can help you understand
ICP-MS measures ions by mass-to-charge ratio after plasma ionisation. Specify the trace-element question and required limits so dilution, preparation and interference controls can be assessed.
Matrix and interference review
Matrix and interference review
Matched elemental comparison
Matched elemental comparison
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Trace-element concentrations
Trace-element concentrations
- Best used when
- Trace-element concentrations
- Typical result
- Agreed elemental concentration table
- Preparation note
- Reporting limits depend on the element, matrix, preparation and accepted method; no universal detection limit is promised.
Matrix and interference review
Matrix and interference review
- Best used when
- Matrix and interference review
- Typical result
- Element-specific reporting limits
- Preparation note
- Digestion, element count and specialist preparation require review. Laser ablation, LC coupling and single-particle work are separate services.
Matched elemental comparison
Matched elemental comparison
- Best used when
- Matched elemental comparison
- Typical result
- Preparation and dilution record
- Preparation note
- Reporting limits depend on the element, matrix, preparation and accepted method; no universal detection limit is promised.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Agreed elemental concentration table reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Element-specific reporting limits supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Preparation and dilution record provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Calibration and quality-control record included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Solutions and digests | List target elements, expected concentrations, reporting limits and units. | Reporting limits depend on the element, matrix, preparation and accepted method; no universal detection limit is promised. |
| Solids requiring agreed dissolution | State the sample matrix, supplied amount, acid or solvent, and whether digestion is required. | Digestion, element count and specialist preparation require review. Laser ablation, LC coupling and single-particle work are separate services. |
| Solutions and digests | Agree preparation, contamination controls and reporting basis before sending samples. | Reporting limits depend on the element, matrix, preparation and accepted method; no universal detection limit is promised. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
Is digestion included automatically?
No. Matrix, preparation and element count are reviewed against the existing family starting price before quotation.
Does this include isotope ratios or particle analysis?
No. This route covers agreed elemental concentrations. Isotope-ratio, laser-ablation, LC-coupled and single-particle work need separate scope confirmation.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope ICP-MS correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth
ICP-MS analysisfrom£186
A £45 service fee applies to orders under £300, excluding VAT.
Typical turnaround: 8–12 working days
Configure & Book