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

Laboratories are facing new challenges on daily basis. Methods are calling for lower detection limits even as sample complexity increases. To meet these new challenges, labs need their instruments to maintain a high level of performance. We all know that instrument performance will decrease over time. Detection limits will never be as good as they were on your instruments’ first day of operation. There are ways to ensure that you are producing quality results even as your instrument ages. One method to ensure instrument performance is to keep up with daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance of the instrument hardware and sample introduction system. Another equally important path for maintaining instrument performance is through proper calibration and tuning.

ICP-OES Wavelength Calibration

ICP-OES instruments require periodic wavelength calibration. This wavelength calibration is performed using a calibration standard that includes elements having emission lines across the UV/VIS spectrum. Maintaining proper wavelength calibration is important to ensure peak centering is accurate, thus maximizing instrument sensitivity. Wavelength calibration will also ensure that any spectral interference identification built into the instrument software will be as accurate as possible.

ICP-MS Mass Calibration and Instrument Tuning

ICP-MS instruments require mass calibration and frequent tuning of the lenses and mass filter. Mass calibration is performed using a calibration standard that contains elements with masses across the mass range. Performing mass calibration on ICP-MS will provide similar benefits as wavelength calibration on ICP-OES such as maximizing instrument sensitivity and correcting for possible interferences. Proper tuning is another necessity for ideal ICP-MS performance. Tuning is performed by using a tune solution designed to maximize performance for a specific instrument method. For example, the tune solution for a collision cell method would be different than the tune solution for a non-collision cell method. However, all tune solutions support the same outcome: increase sensitivity across the mass range, decrease oxide interferences, and decrease doubly charged mass interferences. ICP-MS users can also create custom tune solutions and methods if they need to focus on a specific region of the mass range.

ICP Instrument Performance Tracking

An often-overlooked portion of maintaining an ICP instrument tuned to high performance is keeping a detailed and thorough log of instrument maintenance and performance. Keeping a well-maintained maintenance log will allow you to easily schedule regular maintenance, but it can also pinpoint if performance issues are related to specific sample introduction system parts or instrument users. Tracking the instrument performance allows you to see any reduction in sensitivity or increase in measurement standard deviation (RSDs) over time.

Calibration, Tuning, and Performance Solution Purity and Accuracy

Inorganic Ventures provides high purity certified calibration, tuning, and performance check solutions with the guarantee of accurate concentrations. High purity is key for calibration and tuning solutions as any impurities could result in an improper instrument tune or calibration. Accurate concentrations are crucial for performance check solutions since any variation in concentration may lead the instrument user to misinterpret the data generated during a performance check. Any such deviation in concentration could result in the instrument user trying to track down problems with the instrument that aren’t there or proceeding with normal instrument use with a sub optimal tune and/or calibration.

All ICP instruments can generate high performance results years after their initial installation if the users are diligent with upkeep and maintenance. For more information about proper instrument maintenance, tuning, or high purity solutions, contact Inorganic Ventures today.