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Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instruments can perform low-level elemental analysis in a wide range of sample types, from high-purity chemicals to high matrix digests. But achieving consistently low detection limits requires good control of elemental contamination, as well as spectral interferences. A clean working area, careful selection of reagents, and good sample handling techniques are key to successful trace and ultratrace elemental analysis. In this article, we provide five practical tips for controlling contaminants and minimizing detection limits. 

ICP-MS: Key Steps to Control Contamination and  Achieve Low Detection Limits

Ling Gao is with Chifeng University in Chifeng, China.

Donghua Di is with Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, in Shenyang, China.

Xiaojing Liu is with Beijing Ancoren Technology Co Ltd. in Beijing, China.

Fei Teng is with Beijing Ancoren Technology Co Ltd. in Beijing, China.

In this study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy was used to analyze heavy metals in five traditional Mongolian medicines, and the results were compared to those obtained using ICP-MS.

Comparative Study of Heavy Metals Analysis in Mongolian Medicines Based on High Sensitivity X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy and ICP-MS

A letter to the editors of Spectroscopy regarding the "H-Classic Papers in Atomic Spectroscopy" article published in the November 2021 issue, along with a response from the authors.

Letters to the Editor: H-Classic Papers in Atomic Spectroscopy

Laura Bush is a former managing editor of 

. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief of 

. 485 Route One South, Building F, First Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830, lbush@advanstar.com, tel. 732.346.3020

Jerome Workman Jr. serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Spectroscopy and is currently with Unity Scientific LLC. He is also an adjunct professor at Liberty University and U.S. National University. He can be reached at jworkman04@gsb.columbia.edu.

A note from the editors of Spectroscopy regarding the "H-Classic Papers in Atomic Spectroscopy" article published in the November 2021 issue.

A Teachable Moment: “H-Classic Papers in Atomic Spectroscopy”

Software tools for ICP-MS and ICP-OES can help analysts to simplify method setup and reduce the potential for errors.

Analysis of Elements in Snack Foods: A Closer Look at Pepperoni, Rice Noodles, Frozen Dinners, and Pizza

Laser ablation laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LALI-TOF-MS) can quantify elemental constituents without the need for matrix-matching, making it attractive for metals testing, particularly for additive manufacturing.

Using an Innovative Mass Spectrometer and Non-Matrix–Matched Reference Materials to Quantify Composition of Metal Disks and Powders

Method development for ICP-MS/MS should not be difficult. The six steps here will guide you to success.

Key Steps in Method Development for Inductively Coupled Plasma–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)

Donald J. Douglas has won the 2022 Winter Conference Lifetime Achievement Award in Plasma Spectroscopy. Douglas will receive the award, presented by Thermo Fisher Scientific, on Monday, January 17, at the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry in Tuscon, Arizona.



Donald J. Douglas Wins 2022 Winter Conference Lifetime Achievement Award in Plasma Spectroscopy

Denise M. Mitrano is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Chemistry of Anthropogenic Materials at ETH Zurich in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Her research is directed to understanding the impact and interaction of nanoparticles in the environment using atomic spectroscopy techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and single-particle ICP-MS (sp-ICP-MS). She is the winner of the 2022 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award. Chosen by an independent committee, the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award recognizes the achievements and aspirations of a talented young atomic spectroscopist who has made strides early in his or her career toward the advancement of atomic spectroscopy techniques and applications. We recently interviewed Mitrano about her work.

Gaining an Understanding of Nanoparticles in the Environment Using Atomic Spectroscopy: Denise M. Mitrano, the 2022 winner of the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award 

Denise M. Mitrano of ETH Zurich, the 2022 winner of the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award, is applying ICP-MS and single-particle ICP-MS to elucidate the transport and impact of nanomaterials and nano- and microplastics.