"I used Filab for a chemical analysis. Very satisfied with the service. Responsive team, deadlines met, and a clear analysis report. I recommend them."
ICP analysis (ICP-MS and ICP-AES/ICP-OES) in a laboratory
More than 140 people
at your service
5200 m² laboratory
+ 99% of services are provided in-house
Accredited laboratory
COFRAC ISO 17025
ICP analysis: what are we talking about?
ICP, short for “Inductively Coupled Plasma”, is an inductively coupled plasma analytical technique used to measure the content of an inorganic element present in a sample.
This technique can be applied to any type of elemental chemical element.
Sample analysis by ICP involves several steps.
- The solid sample must first be dissolved using a strong acid, a mixture of strong acids, or microwaves. This is known as mineralization.
- The preparation is then introduced by argon plasma vaporization,
- and then exposed to very high temperatures.
These thermal excitations cause ionization and element separation phenomena, making it possible to characterize and detect each element according to the analyzers used.
Around fifteen ICP systems at the service of your industries
At FILAB, we have two types of analyzers in our laboratory:
ICP-AES or ICP-OES : ICP systems coupled with Atomic Emission Spectrometers measure the wavelengths emitted by ions.
Sensitivity: high for high and medium concentrations.
Applications: quantitative analysis of elements and trace elements, and industrial quality control.
ICP-MS or ICP-MS/MS : ICP systems coupled with Mass Spectrometers for the analysis of elements according to their charge and mass.
Sensitivity: very high, suitable for trace and ultra-trace analysis.
Applications: trace and ultra-trace analysis, for example in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.
Did you know?
The combination of ICP-AES and ICP-MS makes it possible to determine a wide range of inorganic elements and elemental impurities in a single run, with extreme reliability and precision (from ppt to ppb depending on the matrices).
ICP MS-MS is a technique identical to ICP-MS that enables the suppression of strong interferences, even in the most difficult matrices, thanks to new intermediate gases. This technique also provides a lower detection limit than a conventional ICP. It even makes it possible to quantify certain alkali metals at very low quantification limits.
FILAB laboratory is the first independent private French laboratory to be equipped with an ICP-MS/MS.
FILAB ICP analysis laboratory: expertise and precision for your elemental assays
Are you looking for an ICP analysis laboratory capable of carrying out reliable and precise elemental assays on complex matrices?
At FILAB laboratory, we provide industrial clients with high-performance ICP-MS and ICP-AES (ICP-OES) equipment for the identification and quantification of major, minor, and trace elements.
Our services
Analysis
Our ICP analysis
Heavy metal assay (as, pb, cd, hg…)
The examination of heavy metals is a laboratory method used to identify and quantify the metals contained in a sample.
Analysis of elemental impurities according to USP 233 (ICH Q3D context)
The ICH Q3D guideline provides for an initial risk assessment phase, based on document analysis or laboratory analytical screening, including qualitative and semi-quantitative screening and impurity assay by ICP-AES and ICP-MS.
Study of the chemical composition of a mixture
Measuring the chemical composition of a sample involves the precise analysis of its constituents to determine its exact composition by ICP.
Compliance testing of a formula or material with current regulations
Checking whether a formulation or material complies ensures that it meets the applicable standards and regulations. To test your sample, ICP-MS and ICP-AES can meet your needs.
Analysis of low-abundance metals: aluminum, thallium, indium..
Analysis of base metals evaluates and quantifies abundant but economically less valuable metals, using techniques such as ICP-MS, ICP-OES or ICP-AES to ensure the quality and compliance of materials.
Identification of catalyst residues
The identification of catalyst residues by ICP makes it possible to detect and quantify traces of catalytic substances in a sample.
Characterization of an unknown deposit
The characterization of an unknown deposit: a deposit or contamination may be metallic, mineral or organic in nature.
Qualification of a new mineral material
The approval of a new mineral material consists in officially validating its characteristics and use in accordance with the standards and regulations in force.
Nanoparticle analysis by single particle SP-ICP-MS
The Single Particle SP-ICP-MS nanoparticle analysis make it possible to characterize and quantify nanoparticles individually in a sample, offering unprecedented precision regarding their size and concentration.
FILAB carries out inorganic and mineral analysis by ICP-MS or ICP-AES on all types of matrices, and can also:
Expertise
Our ICP expertise
Analytical method development
Custom analytical method development carried out by providing the human and technical resources suited to your needs.
Transfer of methods to your laboratories
We facilitate the transfer of analytical methods to your laboratories, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition for your team.
Protocol validation according to current guidelines
We ensure protocol validation according to current guidelines, guaranteeing compliance with the standards and regulations in force.
Training for your teams (on-site or remotely)
We offer tailor-made training, adapted to our clients' specific needs, to master the ICP analytical technique.
Expertise, preuves et traçabilitéMise à jour : juin 2026
Pourquoi faire confiance au laboratoire FILAB pour votre analyse par ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS et ICP-AES (ICP-OES) ?
Confier votre analyse par ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS et ICP-AES (ICP-OES) au laboratoire FILAB, c’est s’appuyer sur une expertise technique, un cadre qualité documenté et une lecture experte des résultats pour des décisions industrielles, qualité ou réglementaire.
Accréditations reconnues
- ISO 17025
- Nadcap MTL
- SAFRAN
- FRAMATOME
- EDF
- DASSAULT AVIATION
- Aubert & Duval
- Airbus Defence & Space
- Liebherr
- FDA registered
Un expert à votre contact
Responsable expertise
Clément Boenard accompagne les projets d’analyse par ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS et ICP-AES (ICP-OES).
Recognized accreditations
- ISO 17025
- Nadcap MTL
- SAFRAN
- FRAMATOME
- EDF
- DASSAULT AVIATION
- Aubert & Duval
- Airbus Defence & Space
- Liebherr
- FDA registered
An expert at your side
Expertise Manager
Clément Boenard supports analysis projects using ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS and ICP-AES (ICP-OES).
Notre démarche en 4 étapes :
- Échange sur votre problématique et vos contraintes.
- Proposition d’un protocole analytique adapté et d’un devis.
- Réalisation des analyses et relecture experte des résultats.
- Livraison d’un rapport détaillé, exploitable et traçable.
Avis vérifiés
Les avis de nos clients
"Very responsive laboratory, with excellent analysis quality and deadlines met. Communication is smooth, the technical explanations are clear, and the team knows how to adapt to specific needs. I recommend them for their professionalism and reliability!"
"Clear and precise deliverable, delivered on time. I recommend them."
Transparence & contactDernière vérification : juin 2026
Où nous trouver et comment nous contacter
FILAB est un laboratoire physique situé en France, indépendant et accrédité. Toutes les coordonnées ci-dessous permettent de vérifier notre identité et de lancer votre demande.
Laboratoire FILAB
Ecoparc Dijon Bourgogne
80 rue Jean-Louis Auguste Petitjean
21850 Saint-Apollinaire, France
Tél. +33 (0)3 80 52 32 05
Resources
Application case / Control of elemental impurities in pharmaceuticals
Issue: A company in the pharmaceutical sector must demonstrate the compliance of its active ingredient or finished product with ICH Q3D requirements regarding elemental impurities. Metal traces from raw materials, catalysts or production equipment must be quantified at very low thresholds.
Analytical solution: The FILAB laboratory carries out ICP analysis enabling multi-element trace-level quantification (As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Ni, Pd, Pt…). The methods are developed and validated according to USP <233>. The results make it possible to assess compliance with PDE (Permitted Daily Exposure) limits and secure regulatory submissions.
Application case / Composition control of an alloy for the metallurgical industry
Issue: A manufacturer of metal alloys wants to verify the chemical compliance of a material batch before production. A shift in composition could affect the mechanical properties and performance of the final product.
Analytical solution: An ICP analysis (ICP-OES) is carried out to determine the content of major and minor elements (Al, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn…). The results are compared with normative or internal specifications. This approach makes it possible to validate batch compliance, identify any impurities and avoid non-conformities downstream in the process.
Our FAQ
What are icps coupled with atomic emission spectrometers used for?
ICP coupled with atomic emission spectrometers (ICP-AES) is an analytical tool that can be used for the elemental analysis of samples. The combination of ICP and AES provides a highly sensitive and accurate method for analyzing the concentrations of many different elements present in a sample. This technique is widely used in the metallurgy, pharmaceutical, and food industries... ICP-AES has been widely adopted by laboratories around the world because of its accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Using this method involves introducing a sample into an ICP source, which excites the atoms in the sample with an electric arc or laser beam to produce characteristic emission lines based on the atomic structure of each atom present. These emission lines are measured and analyzed to determine the concentration of each element in the sample. The ICP-AES method is capable of detecting most elements at concentrations as low as parts per million.
In addition to its accuracy and cost-effectiveness, one of the advantages of the ICP-AES method is that it can be used on various types of samples - solid samples, liquid samples, or even gases can be analyzed. It also requires minimal sample preparation and very little instrument maintenance. For these reasons, ICP-AES has become one of the most popular techniques for elemental analysis in many industries.
What is inductively coupled plasma spectrometry?
Inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP) is a technique used to measure the concentration of elements in samples. It involves introducing a sample into an ICP source, which excites the atoms in the sample with an electric arc or laser beam and produces characteristic emission lines based on the atomic structure of each element present. These emission lines can then be measured and analyzed to determine the concentration of each element in the sample. ICP is an accurate and cost-effective method for elemental analysis and is widely used by laboratories around the world.
What are the applications of ICP spectroscopy?
ICP spectroscopy has many applications across various sectors and fields. It can be used to analyze soil, wastewater, food, and other environmental samples. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to measure trace elements in medicines, as well as for quality assurance purposes. ICP spectroscopy can also be used in forensic science and archaeology to analyze samples from crime scenes or ancient artifacts. In addition, it is a valuable tool for precious metal analysis, helping companies determine the exact composition of gold, silver, and platinum alloys. In general, ICP spectroscopy can be used for many different analytical applications requiring elemental analysis.
Comparative table of ICP analytical techniques
Here is a comparative table of the four analytical methods offered by the FILAB laboratory: ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, ICP-AES, and ICP-OES.
Technical method | Principle | Sensitivity | Interference management | Typical applications |
ICP-MS | Mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma | Very high | Limited by spectral interferences | Trace and ultra-trace analysis, environmental, pharmaceutical. |
ICP-MS/MS | Tandem mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma | Extremely high | Excellent thanks to the MS/MS stage | Complex matrices, environmental, bioanalysis, pharmaceutical. |
ICP-AES | Atomic emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma | High | Prone to spectral interferences, | Quantitative analysis of elements, quality control, environmental. Metals, alloys, aqueous solutions |
ICP-OES | Optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma | High | Prone to spectral interferences, | Analysis of major and trace elements, metallurgy, environmental. Glass, ceramics, metals |
Why use an ICP analysis laboratory?
An ICP analysis laboratory makes it possible to accurately determine the elemental composition of a material or solution, identify metallic traces at very low concentrations, and ensure product or process compliance.
How do i get a quote for an ICP analysis?
To get a quote, simply complete the web form so that our team can get back to you.
How long does it take to get a quote for an ICP analysis?
A quote for an ICP analysis is sent within 24 to 48 hours.
The filab advantages
A highly qualified team
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
(Staves available on www.cofrac.com - Accreditation number: 1-1793)
A complete analytical facility of 5,200m²
Tailor-made support
Video debriefing available with the expert
Contact us
To find out more about these services, don't hesitate
to contact our team.
to contact our team.
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