Methods / ICP-MS

ICP-MS analysis

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a highly sensitive chemical analysis method that yields quantitative results on elements and their isotopes in samples at milligram to nanogram levels per liter. ICP-MS has many applications, from water purity testing to trace element analysis in materials science.

ICP-MS inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
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Some of our ICP-MS services

Specific migration testing – elements in Annex II of Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011

EN 13130-1
Determination of the specific migration of elements listed in Annex II of Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. The test covers the following elements or parameters: Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminum (Al), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Antimony (Sb), Barium (Ba), Lanthanum (La), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Sum of lanthanides – Eu, Gd, La, Tb.
351 €
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Heavy metal (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) analysis package

EN 15763
Commission Regulation (EU) No 2023/915 specifies maximum levels for heavy metals in various foods, and Directive 2002/32/EC does the same for various feeds. This analysis can be used to quantify traces of the heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) in food, feed, and dietary supplements. The method applied is ICP-MS according to the EN 15763 standard.
90 €
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Migration of heavy metals according to the Finnish Degree (KTM) 268/1992

The Finnish National Regulation 268/1992 (CTM) applies to contact materials manufactured in Finland or imported directly from third countries which do not have harmonized EU legislation. However, although harmonized legislation exists on ceramic contact materials (Directives 84/500/EEC, 2005/31/EC), which has been put into force nationally in Finland by Regulation KTM 165/2006), this Decision applies to ceramic products with a lip line and/or intended for toddlers. Limits defined by the Degree: Pb 0.50 mg/dm2, Cd 0.10 mg/dm2, Cr 2.0 mg/dm2, Ni 2.0 mg/dm2.
249 €
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Elements (Cd, Al, Hg, Pb) in aqueous extracts of paper and board

EN 645, EN 647
This measurement detects the migration of heavy metals and aluminum to cold water from paper or board intended as food contact material. The method is suitable for the determination of migration of aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in accordance with BfR XXXVI recommendations. The migration of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) can also be determined using the CEPI testing recommendations for food contact paper and board.
178 €
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Specific migration testing – ammonium ion and elements of Annex II in Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1245

EN 13130-1
Specific migration of elements listed in Annex II of Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1245 of 2 September 2020 amending and correcting Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. The test covers the following elements: Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminum (Al), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Antimony (Sb), Barium (Ba), Lanthanum (La), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Sum of lanthanides – Eu, Gd, La, Tb. In addition, the test includes specific migration testing of ammonium ion, which is performed separately from elemental migration analysis.
430 €
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Heavy metal content according to Directive 94/62/EC and the PPWR

Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste limits the content of heavy metals such that the sum of the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) in packaging or packaging components shall not exceed 100 ppm by weight. This limit will remain in place under the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
158–198 €
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ICP-MS measurement (wide) for water samples

EN ISO 17294-2, EN ISO 178 52, EN 16192, …
Determination of Be, Ba, Co, Al, Mg, Cu, Li, Mn, Ag, Sn, Ti, V, Zn, Tl, B, Hg, Mo, Fe, Ca, K, U, P, Cd, Na, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sb, As, and Se in water samples with ICP-MS-technique. The sample is homogenized and acidified (HNO3), after which the analysis is performed from the liquid phase. The analysis is suitable for natural waters. If the sample contains a lot of solids or the matrix is significantly different from natural water (for example waste and industrial waters), please contact our testing expert and ask for an offer. The concentration of each element is reported in µg/l.
95 €
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Chemical characterization of medical devices by ISO 10993-18

ISO 10993-18
Chemical characterization by the ISO 10993-18 standard is performed to identify the constituents of a medical device and to estimate and control the risks associated with its chemical composition. The test is a key part of assessing the biocompatibility of medical devices. Chemical characterization includes the estimation of substances released under simulated or exaggerated laboratory conditions (extractables) or the detection of actually released substances (leachables) by the medical device during clinical use. Applicable methods may include HS-GC (volatile organic compounds), GC-MS (semi-volatile organic compounds), LC-MS (non-volatile organic compounds), and ICP-MS (inorganic elements). Suitable tests, solvents, and analysis methods are chosen according to the device's composition, intended contact time, and site. We provide a range of chemical characterization tests based on the market area (MDR, FDA) and quality requirements (GLP). The tests are always customized for the product. Any chemicals detected above the concentrations established to be safe require further evaluation, typically through a toxicological risk assessment (ISO 10993-17). The starting price is based on the chemical characterization of volatile organic compounds (GLP, FDA).
5,200 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

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  • Personal service from method experts
  • Competitive prices
  • Result accuracy guarantee

What is ICP-MS?

ICP-MS is a high throughput elemental analysis method that is capable of detecting most of the elements in the periodic table. Modern ICP-MS instruments offer linear dynamic ranges up to twelve orders of magnitude. This enables simultaneous analysis of major and minor elemental components of the sample.

Besides low-concentration (ppb=parts per billion=µg/l) accuracy, ICP-MS performs reliably in ultra-low concentrations (ppt=parts per trillion=ng/l and even ppq=parts per quadrillion). The method is capable of measuring atomic mass ranging from 7 to 250, which means that it detects elements from lithium to uranium. ICP-MS can also distinguish different isotopes of elements.

How does ICP-MS work?

ICP-MS uses high-temperature plasma that breaks down the chemical compounds in the samples to their atomic ions. After this, mass spectrometry is used to detect and quantify the ions to distinguish different elements and, in some cases, their isotopes.

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry is most often used to analyze solid or liquid samples, but gas analysis is also possible. Most common ICP-MS instruments rely on liquid injection, meaning that solid and gaseous samples must be dissolved into liquids before the analysis. With solid samples, this is most often achieved through acid digestion with hot mineral acids. An example of such a pretreatment method for solids is vapor phase decomposition, which can be combined with ICP-MS in VPD-ICP-MS analysis. Gases, on the other hand, can be trapped in suitable liquids by bubbling.

If sufficient results cannot be achieved through the pretreatment of solid or gaseous samples, special instruments can be used to investigate these samples without dissolving pretreatment. For example, LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) can be used to analyze the surfaces of solid samples directly.

The difference between ICP-MS and ICP-OES

The principle of ICP-MS is measuring the mass of the atoms through mass spectrometry, as explained above. ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy) on the other hand, is based on analyzing the wavelengths of the excited atoms and ions within the elements in the sample.

The difference in use cases is that ICP-OES is a more robust method for analyzing samples that have a higher amount of total dissolved solids and stricter regulations. Examples of this type of sample are groundwater, wastewater, soils, and solid waste.

What is ICP-MS analysis used for?

ICP mass spectrometry is most often used in multi-element trace studies. It can, for example, be used to analyze heavy metal contamination of food, water, consumer goods, or pharmaceutical products. Other trace metal studies are also common. In solvent purity assays, ICP-MS can be combined with GC-FID and Karl Fischer titration to obtain comprehensive data on possible contaminants.

Need ICP-MS analyses?

Measurlabs offers high-quality laboratory testing with ICP-MS for environmental samples, food, pharmaceuticals, and other samples. We offer competitive pricing and have specialized partner laboratories for all needs, guaranteeing that your samples are always analyzed by experts in that specific area. Contact us through the form below to get a custom offer and we will get back to you latest the next business day.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Raw materials
  • Waste
  • Drinking and process water
  • Impurities in drugs and pharmaceuticals
  • Biomass
  • Environmental measurements
  • Mining, rocks and minerals
  • Catalysts
  • Isotope studies
  • Organic polymers
  • Food and beverages
  • Semiconductor materials

Ideal uses of ICP-MS

  • Detection of elements from lithium to uranium, including different isotopes
  • Environmental analyses
  • Heavy metal content determination

Ask for an offer

Fill in the form, and we'll reply in one business day.

Answering the following questions helps us prepare an offer for you faster:

  • How many samples do you have and what is the sample material?
  • Do you have a recurring need for these tests? If yes, how often and for how many samples at a time?

Have questions or need help? Email us at or call our sales team.

Frequently asked questions

What is ICP-MS analysis commonly used for?

ICP-MS has many applications, as it can detect elemental impurities and toxins within a sample. One common use is to test water and soil samples in ecological studies.

ICP-MS analysis is also used in the food industry to find contaminants within products. In the pharmaceutical industry, ICP-MS is used to screen for inorganic impurities in drugs.

What are the limitations of ICP-MS testing?

ICP-MS can't be used for the detection of hydrogen, helium, carbon and a few other light elements. 

What kinds of samples can be analysed with ICP-MS?

ICP-MS is suitable for most sample matrices, including liquids, gases, and solids. 

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.