Multi-element concentration
ICP-OES
Material Analysis · Composition & Elemental
Laser Ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS)
Characterise multi-element concentration, trace and ultra-trace impurities, and speciation, spatial distribution, isotope ratio, or particle number/size when configured using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£210 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 7 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- PerkinElmer NexION 5000
- Typical outputs
- Element concentration tableCalibration, blank, spike, and QC summaryOptional chromatograms, maps, isotope ratios, or particle distributionsProcessed chromatogram or spectrum
Why this service
What LA-ICP-MS can help you understand
Laser Ablation ICP-MS is selected when the project needs defensible information on multi-element concentration, trace and ultra-trace impurities, or speciation, spatial distribution, isotope ratio, or…
Trace and ultra-trace impurities
single- or triple-quadrupole ICP-MS
Speciation, spatial distribution, isotope ratio, or particle…
LC-ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, or spICP-MS
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
ICP-OES
multi-element concentration
- Best used when
- multi-element concentration
- Typical result
- Element concentration table
- Preparation note
- Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.
Single- or triple-quadrupole ICP-MS
trace and ultra-trace impurities
- Best used when
- trace and ultra-trace impurities
- Typical result
- Calibration, blank, spike, and QC summary
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
LC-ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, or spICP-MS
speciation, spatial distribution, isotope ratio, or particle number/size when configured
- Best used when
- speciation, spatial distribution, isotope ratio, or particle number/size when configured
- Typical result
- Optional chromatograms, maps, isotope ratios, or particle distributions
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Element concentration table reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Calibration, blank, spike, and QC summary supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Optional chromatograms, maps, isotope ratios, or particle distributions provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed chromatogram or spectrum 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Powder / particles | Provide a dry, homogeneous and clearly labelled sample in a sealed container. | Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review. |
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
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.
What should I send for Laser Ablation ICP-MS?
Provide powder / particles, liquid / solution, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For multi-element concentration, start with ICP-OES; add single- or triple-quadrupole ICP-MS when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 7 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Preparation blanks, spectral/polyatomic interference, matrix effects, and calibration dominate uncertainty. Total digestion destroys spatial and chemical-form information.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope LA-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