Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS) are types of mass spectrometers that typically use argon plasma to ionize samples. The ICP-MS atomizes the sample, forming atomic and small polyatomic ions which can then be detected. In this article, we discuss the benefits of ICP-MS tuning solutions and where to buy them from.
Why is an ICP-MS Tuning Solution Necessary?
ICP-MS systems will operate and provide data even when they haven’t been set up properly. There is a range of factors that can degrade and cause issues with the elemental analysis performance of an ICP mass spectrometer. Instrument setup is crucial to data integrity and it should be carried out regularly. As such, they need to be tuned regularly perhaps even daily, to achieve accurate results.
Why Use Tuning Solutions?
Best practices for tuning an ICP mass spectrometer involve using a tuning solution to set up and calibrate the lenses and mass filter. This process is critical for ensuring ideal ICP-MS performance.
A tuning solution is designed to maximize the performance of a particular instrument technique. For example, a tuning solution for a collision cell technique would be different from that of a non-collision method.
All tune solutions support the same outcome which is an increase in sensitivity across the mass range, minimizing oxide interferences and lessening doubly charged mass interferences. It is also possible to form custom tune solutions to focus on a certain area of the mass range.
Buying Tuning Solutions
Inorganic Ventures offers calibration, tuning, and performance check solutions that are extremely high purity and offer guaranteed accurate concentration levels. High purity is critical for calibration and tuning solutions as impurities could lead to an improper instrument tune or calibration. Accurate concentrations levels are vital for performance check solutions as variations can lead to user misinterpretation of data.