ICP-MS analysis laboratory
Would you like to carry out an ICP-MS analysis?
Thanks to ICP-MS mass spectrometry, the FILAB laboratory supports industries in the detection and quantification of chemical elements.
What is an ICP-MS analysis?
The acronym MS stands for mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to determine the molecular weight of the molecules present in a substance in order to identify their nature.
Used in many scientific fields, it is known for its rapid detection time and its accuracy of less than 1 ppm.
The combined use of ICP and MS makes it possible to detect a wide range of heavy metals, inorganic elements and elemental impurities in a single run, with extreme reliability and precision (from ppt to ppb depending on the matrices).
our services
Confirm the chemical composition of a mixture
Characterize an unknown deposit
Verify the compliance of a formula or material with current regulations
Reverse engineer a product to compare its chemical composition
Detect traces of heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Hg…)
Search for an elemental impurity at the origin of a defect or a failure
Analysis of low metals: aluminum, thallium, indium...
Approve a new mineral material as part of dual sourcing
Our solutions: ensuring the purity and compliance of your products or raw materials through ICP-MS analysis
FILAB laboratory expertise in ICP-MS mass spectrometry
At the FILAB laboratory, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is used for the ultra-trace determination of metallic and semi-metallic elements in a wide range of solid, liquid, or gaseous matrices.
This technique, which is both highly sensitive, selective, and multi-element, makes it possible to quantify concentrations ranging from ppb (µg/L) to ppt (ng/L), with the precision and reproducibility required to meet the strictest industrial and regulatory standards (pharmacopoeias, REACH, ISO 17025, etc.).
The FILAB laboratory has around fifteen ICPs.
The ICP-MS method in compliance with standards
ICP-MS is a standardized method for the quantitative determination of metallic trace elements in a wide variety of matrices. This technique meets many international standards such as USP <233> or ICH Q3D, which govern the measurement of elemental impurities in pharmaceutical and chemical products.
Our analytical protocols are developed and validated according to the requirements of ISO 17025, ensuring the reliability, traceability, and reproducibility of the results.
Applications of ICP-MS analysis across industries
ICP-MS analysis is used for the search and quantification of metallic trace elements (MTE) in active ingredients, excipients and finished products. It is particularly useful for meeting the requirements of the ICH Q3D guideline regarding elemental impurities. FILAB supports pharmaceutical laboratories in compliance testing, packaging leachables studies or qualification of product-contact materials.
In alloys, metal powders or surface coatings, ICP-MS enables the precise determination of impurities such as lead, cadmium or arsenic. The laboratory also carries out surface element mapping combined with other techniques (ICP-OES, SEM-EDX, GDMS) to characterize purity or metallic contamination.
ICP-MS identifies and quantifies trace metals in polymers, resins, solvents or additives to ensure compliance with REACH and RoHS regulations. Migration studies can be conducted to assess the transfer of metallic elements from packaging or plastic devices to their contents.
our expertise and training
Training for your teams (on-site or remotely)
Transferring methods to your laboratories
Validating protocols according to current guidelines
Why choose FILAB for ICP-MS analysis?
High sensitivity and accuracy across a wide range of elements.
Integrated quality controls and calibrations using certified internal standards
Responsiveness and personalized technical support for your testing, development, or expert assessment needs.
ISO 17025 accredited laboratory (flexible scope for elemental analysis).
FAQ
ICP-OES measures the light emissions of excited atoms, while ICP-MS measures the mass of the ions produced. ICP-MS offers superior sensitivity, with a detection limit up to 1,000 times lower.
More than 70 elements from the periodic table can be quantified, including As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Ni, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Al, Li, Ti, Sn…
ICP-MS is applicable to solids, liquids, powders, polymers, solutions, and pharmaceutical products.
Most samples require acid digestion or complete dissolution to bring the elements into ionic form before introduction into the plasma.
At the FILAB laboratory, for the digestion step we can use:
- Microwaves (Ultrawave 3)
- Digiprep
- Hot plates
The main references include USP /<233>, PE 2.4.20, ICH Q3D, ASTM F 1185, USP 232 and internal methods validated according to ISO 17025.
ICP-MS is preferred when sensitivity, selectivity, and analytical speed are essential, especially for compliance testing of metal impurities.
