Why not use units of µg/g or µg/mL?

When performing elemental analysis most sample preparation and data workup is done in units of µg/g, µg/mL, µg/L, etc. However, when working with pharmaceutical samples the Permitted Daily Exposure (PDE) limits are reported in units of µg/day. Since different pharmaceutical products have different maximum dosages, it is critical to convert the conventional units used by elemental analysts into something that can be equated back to the PDE limit unit of µg/day. The J Value is used to perform this conversion.

What is a J Value?

If you are testing pharmaceutical samples using USP <232> / <233> and/or ICH Q3D, then you may be familiar with the concept of the J value. The J value is defined below:

PDE limits are determined by USP <232> and ICH Q3D, but the dilution factor and maximum daily dose is determined by you and your sample. The reason that the PDE limit is converted to a J

EPA Method 200.8 is an established and widely used ICP-MS method. It describes the analysis of water and wastes for 21 elements. Included in these 21 elements is arsenic, which has a large potential polyatomic interference from ⁴⁰Ar³⁵Cl. It is common for analysts to face a high bias in their data for ⁷⁵As. To correct for this potential ⁴⁰Ar³⁵Cl interference EPA Method 200.8, Table 5, prescribes using the correction equation below:

What is the Purpose of This Interference Correction Equation?

This correction equation subtracts the counts of ⁴⁰Ar³⁵Cl from the total counts recorded for mass 75. This is done by measuring the counts from a similar polyatomic: ⁴⁰Ar37Cl. In theory, the counts for ⁴⁰Ar³⁵Cl and ⁴⁰Ar³⁷Cl should be the same

Introducing ICP Alley at Pittcon 2025

Four Industry Leaders Unite to Deliver Solutions and Expert Support for ICP Analysts

BOSTON, MA – March 1-5, 2025 – Four industry leaders—CEM, Glass Expansion, GFS Chemicals and Inorganic Ventures are joining forces to launch ICP Alley at Pittcon 2025 in Boston, MA. This collaboration offers a comprehensive resource for analysts specializing in Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) techniques, providing the tools, and support needed to optimize every step of the ICP workflow. 

Why ICP Alley?

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a technique used for elemental analysis and identifying unknown compounds. This technique has the capacity to detect most elements in the periodic table at levels as low as nanograms per liter. 

What is Inductively Coupled Plasma?

ICP instruments utilize a plasma torch as an ionization source that works to separate the constituent elements in a sample and convert them into ions. The plasma is created by an RF generator that is fed a plasma gas, usually Argon, through the torch.

Importance of Environmental Analysis 

There is a range of factors that drive environmental analyses, specifically the requirements for determining elements at low concentrations and their bio-availability. Contamination and sample pre-treatment must be minimized to preserve the sample. As the costs of environmental analysis increase, quick and accurate testing methods that can capture data o

Inorganic Ventures, a manufacturer of high-quality analytical inorganic standards for testing in a wide range of industries, today announced the addition of a new Enterprise Development division. Led by Justin Yalung, Chief Operating Officer, the company’s Enterprise Development arm will have overall authority for developing new products and expanding the organization’s portfolio.

About this webinar:

Inorganic Ventures announced today the launch of its new brand tagline, “Refine Your Results.  Redefine Your Industry.” The new tagline articulates Inorganic Ventures’ position in the high-quality analytical inorganic standards industry and reinforces the company's position as a global leader in manufacturing specialized Certified Reference Materials.

As a supplier to many essential industries that are continuing to operate during this time, Inorganic Ventures remains open and is continuing to take and ship orders. 

As we continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19, and anticipate a moderate impact to our community, we are taking a proactive approach to protect the safety and well-being of our employees and the surrounding area. We are minimizing the onsite workforce and taking extra precautionary measures.