Methods / IC

Ion chromatography

Ion chromatography (IC), also known as ion exchange chromatography (IEC), is an analysis technique that gives precise concentrations of charged molecules and ions in a solution. IC can be used to detect and quantify nearly all kinds of charged molecules, such as water impurities, biomass-based sugars, large proteins, small nucleotides, and amino acids.

Ion Chromatography
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Some of our ion chromatography services

Substances of very high concern (SVHC) analysis

The substances of very high concern (SVHC) analysis provides comprehensive material screening for SVHC substances as listed in the Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemical Substances (REACH). The maximum allowed concentration of any substance on the SVCH list is 0.1 mass-%. If the product contains more than 0.1% w/w of an SVHC substance, ECHA has to be notified and information on the safe use of the article must be provided to customers upon request. Contact us to request a quote for screening your material for SVHCs. The price of the analysis depends on the sample type.
400–600 €
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Total organic fluorine (TOF) content in challenging sample materials (chemicals, oils, etc.)

ASTM D7359
Determination of the total organic fluorine (TOF) content in combustible materials by combustion ion chromatography (CIC). TOF analysis gives information about the total amount of organic fluorinated compounds. It can also be used to evaluate the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the material, even though individual PFAS compounds can't be analyzed with this method. The analysis is suitable for many different materials. Please describe the sample in detail when requesting an offer to help us prepare a quote quickly.
350–600 €
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Total fluorine content in plastic

EN 15408
Determination of total fluorine (F) content in plastic according to the EN 15408 mod. method. The fluorine content of the sample is obtained using oxygen bomb combustion treatment followed by ion chromatography (IC). Possible sample preparation, such as grinding into smaller particles, is available at an extra cost. This method can also be used to determine the total content of S, Cl, and Br. The results will be reported in mg/kg.
248 €
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Total organic fluorine (TOF) content in paper, polymers, and textiles

Determination of total organic fluorine (TOF) in paper, polymers, and textiles TOF analysis gives information about the total amount of organic fluorinated compounds. It can also be used to evaluate the overall presence or absence of PFAS compounds, even though this method cannot identify individual PFAS. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and a quote for your sample batch.
150–250 €
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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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Total amino acid profile of food, feed, and dietary supplements

AOAC 2017.3
Determination of the total amino acid profile of food, feed, and dietary supplements with ion chromatography and HPLC methods. Before analysis, the sample is subjected to a hydrolysis treatment to liberate amino acids bound as proteins or peptides. The following amino acids are included in the analysis: Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Alanine, Arginine, Cystine + cysteine, Phenylalanine, Glycine, Hydroxyproline, Isoleucine, Histidine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Proline, Serine, Tyrosine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine, Total amino acids.
340 €
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Anions in soil, sludge, sediment and water samples (ISO 10304-1, EN 16192)

EN 16192, ISO 10304-1
Determination of bromide, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, and sulfate (Br-, F-, Cl-, NO2-, NO3- ja SO42-) in soil, sludge, sediment, and water samples with ion chromatography. For soil, sludge, and sediment, the analysis is carried out after a water extraction. Ask about the price for other solid matrices and more challenging aqueous matrices. Please store the samples in refrigerated conditions and in gas-sealed containers.
113 €
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Compositional analysis of biomass

NREL/TP 510-42618, SCAN CM 71, TAPPI T-UM 250, …
This biomass composition analysis includes the following determinations: Carbohydrate content, Lignin content , Degradation products. During the analysis, the biomass sample is hydrolyzed to break the carbohydrates into detectable monomeric sugars. These are analyzed using either ion chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography, depending on the test standard. The acid-insoluble residue is filtered out and its ash content is determined to measure the amount of Klason lignin. Acid-soluble lignin is determined from the hydrolysate using a UV-spectrophotometer. Organic acids and furans can also be quantified upon request. Please let us know which compositional parameters you wish to be included in the report when requesting an offer for the analysis.
723 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

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What is IC analysis used for?

Two types of ion chromatography can be identified depending on their ion exchange capability: anion exchange and cation exchange chromatography. In most typical commercial applications, IC is used to analyze common anions in aqueous solutions. Some of the most common analytes for IC include halides, oxides of nitrogen, and sulfate.

How does ion chromatography work?

The principle of IC analysis is to separate differently sized and charged molecules from each other as they flow through the column dissolved in a suitable eluent. The separation is based on the molecules' interaction with the resin that is packed in the column. Smaller molecules and molecules that have a low affinity with the resin move through the column faster and are detected with an electrical conductivity detector before the larger molecules and those that have a stronger affinity. IC can separate almost all charged molecules, including anions, cations, and polar molecules, and it can detect them in small quantities.

Sample requirements and preparation

IC can be used for both liquid and solid samples. However, ion chromatography requires either an aqueous sample matrix, extraction of the sample with water, or combustion of the sample (combustion-IC). With combustion-IC, many non-water soluble sample matrices can be analyzed. This includes, for example, different kinds of combustible solids, polymers, organic solvents, and fuels.

Limitations of ion chromatography

High analyte concentrations, and especially high concentrations of ions, can complicate IC analysis, as they may necessitate excessive dilution, which in turn leads to lower sensitivity. Similarly, samples that leave high ash residue from combustion increase uncertainty in the analysis.

Need IC analyses?

Measurlabs offers laboratory testing with IC and CIC methods. From tens to hundreds of samples, we ensure your analyses are handled on time, with the highest quality. More than 700 companies choose Measurlabs for accurate results and dependable service - contact us through the form below to get a quote and experience our service level yourself.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Liquid and solid samples
  • Aqueous samples

Ideal uses of ion chromatography

  • Anion concentration monitoring, including the detection of nitrates, nitrite, and fluoride in drinking water and other aqueous solutions
  • Measuring active pharmaceutical compounds and studying drug degradation products in the pharmaceutical industry
  • Detection of acids and sugars in the food industry
  • Analysis of biomass-based sugars
  • Measuring sulfite concentrations in wine

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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 IC commonly used for?

IC is used to separate and detect ionic compounds in a mixture. It gives precise concentrations of the charged particles in the sample. 

Ion chromatography is an effective tool for detecting different charged or polar molecules, including sugars, proteins, amino acids, sulfate, halides, and nitrogen oxides.

What are the limitations of IC?

Only analytes that can be charged are detectable with IC.

What kind of samples can be analyzed with IC?

Samples can be in the form of liquids or solids, but solid samples need pretreatment through extraction or combustion.

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.