Thermo Fisher Introduces New Line of Analysis Equipments that Simplifies ICP-MS
Thermo Fisher Scientific is bringing a new line of high-defenition elemental analysis using the industry favourite Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Called the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MX Series, it offers unmatched precision in analyzing complex matrix samples while simplifying the complex requiremnts of ICP-MS. The new series is targeted at environmental, clinical, food, industrial and research labs as fast, reliable, and interference-free analysis.
option for researchers that promises the opportunity to reduce harmful substances and meet stringent regulatory standards.
Advanced ICP-MS technology
First developed more than 30 years ago, ICP-MS while being a great option for multi-element analysis and having a large analytical range, has been plagued by multiple issues that have kept researchers from completely adopting this technique. Chief among the issues being the complexity and cost of operation.
| Technique | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| ICP-MS | Multi-element technique Large analytical range Low detection limit High sample throughput Low sample volume Simple sample preparation High-resolution and tandem mass spectrometry (triple-quadrupole) instruments offer a very high level of interference control | Equipment cost Operating cost (argon) Multiple high purity gases required High level of staff expertise Interferences need to be controlled Laboratory set up costs (air-conditioning, HEPA filters, pipe work, dust reduction measures) |
| ICP-AES (also known as ICP-OES) | Multi-element technique Large analytical range High sample throughput Low sample volume Simple sample preparation | High detection limit Equipment cost High level of staff expertise Laboratory set up costs |
| Flame Atomic Emission | Equipment cost Low level of staff expertise Simple sample preparation Low laboratory set up cost | Single element technique Limited analytical range High detection limit Higher sample volume Flammable gases |
| Flame Atomic Absorption | Equipment cost Low level of staff expertise Simple sample preparation Low laboratory set up cost Reasonably high sample throughput Few interferences | Single element technique Limited analytical range High detection limit Higher sample volume Flammable gases |
| Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption | Low detection limit Equipment cost Few interferences Low sample volume Low laboratory set up cost Simple sample preparation (in most cases) | Single element technique Limited analytical range Low sample throughput Some elements require acid digestion prior to analysis |
| Atomic Absorption (cold vapour/ hydride generation) | Low detection limit Equipment cost Few interferences Low laboratory set up cost | Suitable for limited elements Limited analytical range Low sample throughput High sample volume Complex acid digestions required for biological samples |
Simplifying Without Compromising Sensitivity
The new iCAP MX Series ICP-MS platforms deliver significant advances in sensitivity and flexibility toward common issues that labs encounter in working with high-matrix samples. The single quadrupole iCAP MSX ICP-MS offers routine analysis with enhansed sensitivity, providing consistent results across an incredibly broad range of applications without the need to compromise between level of matrix load and detection capability.
With regard to more complex matrices, step-up from the competition on the interference-free analysis of the triple quadrupole iCAP MTX ICP-MS steps brings higher confidence in the results for the labs. This is of highest priority for laboratories dealing with heavy matrices, including environmental and food safety labs, requiring the most accurate detection of contaminants, such as lead and mercury, in drinking water or toxic elements in food products.
Improving Lab Productivity: How the iCAP MTX ICP-MS Reduces Downtime
Thermo Fisher’s new mass spectrometers cater to versatile use across a wide range of applications. Some of the successful benefits include environmental labs employing mass spectrometry for fast accurate detection of contaminants across water samples, air samples, and soil samples. This will save on public health initiatives and prevent exposure to harmful substances. New instruments from Thermo Fisher enable safety and labeling requirements in products while ensuring the accuracy of toxic element analyses with decreased turnaround times within the food industry.
In addition, industrial labs, especially those engaged in high-tech manufacturing, could make use of the iCAP MX Series ICP-MS for their quality control and research applications. Direct results of higher throughput and negligible downtime are higher productivity and efficiency such that the labs could obtain results faster with fewer maintenance shutdowns.
Flexible Industry Applications for ICP-MS
Thermo Fisher’s new mass spectrometers are engineered with flexibility in mind and are ideal for a broad range of applications. Environmental laboratories can apply this to quickly and accurately detect contaminants in water, air, and soil samples to further public health initiatives and avoid exposure to harmful substances. To the food industry, these instruments ensure that products meet certain safety and labeling requirements, thereby increasing the accuracy of toxic element analysis and speeding up turnaround times.
The iCAP MX Series ICP-MS can be used by industrial labs particularly in high-tech manufacturing to aid both quality control and research activities. The high-throughput and low-downtime operations of these instruments translate to more productive or efficient operation with faster results and fewer interruptions to maintenance.
Maximizing Productivity with Reduced Downtime
One of the key advantages the iCAP MX Series is offering is its capacity to minimize maintenance and to reduce downtime, the bane for most labs using heavy matrices. The argon gas dilution in tandem with a state-of-the-art cone design allows for extended time between maintenance; routine maintenance shifts from multiple times a week to weekly or less. It means labs can be set to maintain their workflow without interruption to frequent stops, which consequently enhances overall productivity.
Thermo Fisher Scientific’s iCAP MX Series ICP-MS is a game-changer in laboratories needing reliable, high-performance instruments for trace elemental analysis. Its user-friendly design, minimal downtime, and interference-free results help improve productivity in a range of industries while tackling important challenges in environmental protection, food safety, and industrial manufacturing. With the burden of turnaround times and regulatory whims continuing to grind down labs, iCAP MX Series arrives at the right time to ensure accuracy without compromise on efficiency.
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