Guides & Papers

In-depth guides, technical papers, and quick-reference resources on ICP analysis, standard preparation, and laboratory best practices.

Core Guides

Our flagship multi-part guides, covering everything from sample preparation to ICP operation in depth.

Sample Prep Guide

This expanding series features dozens of elements. Each part includes detailed preparation and solution chemistry for samples containing the element of interest.

Trace Analysis Guide

An essential 17-part online guide for chemical analysts. Topics cover all phases of sample collection, preparation, measurement, and data analysis.

ICP Operations Guide

A 16-part online guide intended for anyone preparing samples and standards for measurement using ICP-OES or ICP-MS. Topics cover many day-to-day tasks required by all operators.

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Technical Guides

In-depth technical papers on instrument calibration, standard stability, and specialized applications for ICP-OES and ICP-MS.

A New Method for Testing Wear & Additive Metals in Oils White Paper

A white paper presenting a new analytical method for measuring wear and additive metals in used oil samples.

Sample Introduction for ICP-MS and ICP-OES

A technical overview of sample introduction systems and considerations for ICP-MS and ICP-OES.

Internal Standards Quick Reference Guide

A concise guide to selecting and using internal standards for ICP-OES and ICP-MS, covering key selection criteria and commonly used stock options

USP 232 and ICH Q3D – Element Stability in ICP Standards

Examines how to prepare a stable, safe ICP standard covering all 24 elements regulated under USP 232 and ICH Q3D.

Understanding Error Budgets

Explains how error budgets are used to calculate and report the certified value uncertainties of reference materials.

Hybrid Acqueous/Organic Solvent Standards for Testing Metals in Oils Application Note

An application note on hybrid aqueous/organic solvent standards designed for metals-in-oil testing.

Benefits of Proper ICP Instrument Calibration, Tuning and Performance Check Solutions]

Explains how wavelength/mass calibration, tuning, and performance tracking help ICP-OES and ICP-MS instruments maintain accuracy over time.

General observations regarding USP 232

Traces the regulatory history of USP 232 elemental impurity limits, from the original 2010 proposal through the current revised limits.

Elemental Analysis of Zeolites

A rapid sample preparation method for zeolite analysis by ICP, replacing traditional HF/boric acid and fusion techniques.

Pure Chlorite Standard Developed

Details Inorganic Ventures' in-house purification and certification method for high-purity sodium chlorite (NaClO2) standards.

Mercury Chemical Stability

In-house stability data on mercury solutions across concentrations, matrices, and container material

Silver Chemical Stability

Practical guidance on keeping silver standards stable, including tips for working safely with HCl matrices.

Part-Per-Billion Stability Study

A year-long stability study of 65 elements at ppb concentrations in LDPE containers, identifying which elements are prone to loss over time.

ISO Guide 34 White Paper

A white paper on ISO Guide 34 requirements for reference material producers.

Testing Wear & Additive Metals in Lubricating Oils

A validated ICP-OES method pairing aqueous CRMs with ASOSolv™ for wear metal and additive analysis in lubricating oils — matching NIST SRM 1085c results within 2%, adding sulfur to the calibration panel, and covering ASTM D5185-18 and D6595-16 with no changes to existing lab workflows.

Automated Preparation and Rapid Analysis of Coolant Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)

A Teledyne LABS application note evaluating automated coolant sample prep using the CETAC SimPrep+ paired with ICP-OES, covering accuracy, precision, throughput, and washout across 12 elements. It shows how automating dilutions, standards, and QC prep cuts labor and operator error in predictive maintenance workflows.

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Consumer Guides

Quick-reference papers on elemental hazards, product stability, and standard shelf life — written for practical, everyday use.

Cyanide One Pager

A one-page consumer resource covering key facts about cyanide.

Elemental Insights- Lead

A one-page consumer resource covering key facts about lead.

Elemental Insights- Mercury

A one-page consumer resource covering key facts about mercury.

Elemental Insights- Cadmium

A one-page consumer resource covering key facts about cadmium.

Elemental Insights- Arsenic

A one-page consumer resource covering key facts about arsenic.

CRM Traceability: Not Just an Audit Requirement

Explains why a short, well-documented chain of traceability to the SI matters for CRM accuracy, not just compliance.

Flexible Expiration Dates?

Explains why standard expiration dates can't safely be extended, breaking down the roles of chemical stability, transpiration, and human error.

IV's Approach to TMI Data

Details Inorganic Ventures' dual-method (ICP-OES and ICP-MS) process for determining and verifying trace metallic impurity data on certificates of analysis.

Expiration Facts About Your Standards

Debunks misleading "stability dating" and shelf-life marketing claims, explaining what really determines a standard's expiration date.

Shelf Life vs. Expiration Date of a Chemical Standard

Draws a clear distinction between shelf life and expiration date, backed by Inorganic Ventures' own transpiration data.

Hazardous Material Shipping Regulations

Explains why most inorganic standards are classified as hazardous materials and what that means for DOT/IATA shipping compliance.

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Recommended ICP Maintenance Schedule

A quick-reference flyer laying out daily, weekly, monthly, biannual, and annual maintenance tasks for ICP-OES and ICP-MS instruments.

The Exceptional Quality of Primary Certified Reference Materials

Explains how Inorganic Ventures developed Primary Certified Reference Materials (PCRM™) for elements like osmium and iridium that lack NIST-equivalent standards.

Development of the ELUENT4514

A case study on developing a high-purity, contaminant-free eluent concentrate for ion chromatography, in partnership with a customer lab.

Second Source

Clarifies what "second source" means for QC standards and how Inorganic Ventures approaches independent preparation of calibration and verification standards.

Expiration Policy and TCT

Explains the certification issue date, lot expiration date, and period of validity used for CRMs packaged with Transpiration Control Technology (TCT).

CRM Traceability: Not Just an Audit Requirement

Explains why a short, well-documented chain of traceability to the SI matters for CRM accuracy, not just compliance.

Flexible Expiration Dates?

Explains why standard expiration dates can't safely be extended, breaking down the roles of chemical stability, transpiration, and human error.

IV's Approach to TMI Data

Details Inorganic Ventures' dual-method (ICP-OES and ICP-MS) process for determining and verifying trace metallic impurity data on certificates of analysis.

Expiration Facts About Your Standards

Debunks misleading "stability dating" and shelf-life marketing claims, explaining what really determines a standard's expiration date.

Shelf Life vs. Expiration Date of a Chemical Standard

Draws a clear distinction between shelf life and expiration date, backed by Inorganic Ventures' own transpiration data.

Hazardous Material Shipping Regulations

Explains why most inorganic standards are classified as hazardous materials and what that means for DOT/IATA shipping compliance.

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Quality Management Guides

Resources on traceability, calibration standards, and ISO/quality system requirements for the accredited lab.

Titration Tips & Tricks

A practical guide covering hands-on tips and techniques for accurate, reliable titration work.

NIST Traceability

Explains what NIST traceability actually means, and the right questions to ask a CRM manufacturer to verify a traceability claim.

ISO 17034, 17025, and 9001 Explained

Breaks down the three key ISO accreditations for standard manufacturers and what each one certifies.

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