Market Profile: Magnetic Sector ICP-MS

The ultimate in atomic spectroscopy performance, magnetic sector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometery (ICP-MS) instruments are used for the most demanding analyses. There is significant demand across several industries, despite the fact that the global market for such instrumentation is a niche area.

Magnetic sector ICP-MS instruments are the most sensitive version of ICP-MS instruments, with ICP-MS itself being the most sensitive atomic spectroscopy technique. Although they can cost several times the price of quadrupole ICP-MS systems, the resolution provided by magnetic sector systems allows them to resolve isotopes of the same element. This is particularly useful in environmental and geological research applications, in which isotopes of the same element can have vastly different toxicological and environmental effects.

Magnetic sector ICP-MS demand by industry in 2009.

The worldwide market for magnetic sector is expected to approach $20 million for 2009 and should see mid-to-high single-digit annual growth in demand in 2010, with mid-single-digit growth in subsequent years. Although it is a very mature market, the heavy association of magnetic sector ICP-MS with academic and government research, much of which is related to environmental analysis, puts it at the confluence of two areas that are beginning to receive significantly more attention and funding, both in the U.S. and abroad.

The foregoing data were based on SDi's market analysis and perspectives report titled Global Assessment Report, 10.5th Edition: The Laboratory Life Science and Analytical Instrument Industry, August 2009. For more information, contact Stuart Press, Vice President – Strategic Analysis, Strategic Directions International, Inc., 6242 Westchester Parkway, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (310) 641-4982, fax: (310) 641-8851, www.strategic-directions.com.