CRM Solutions

3 Things to Consider Before Analyzing a Sample

[fa icon="calendar'] Sep 23, 2020 12:38:00 PM / by Courtney Dillon posted in Sample Preparation, Certified Reference Materials, ICP

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  1. Is your instrument optimized?

In a recent blog we explored the importance of instrument optimization for ICP-OES and ICP-MS, but all instruments should be frequently checked to confirm they are operating as expected. Preventive maintenance and appropriate start up and shut down SOPs are key to the integrity of analysis.

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Why are Tuning Solutions One of the Most Used Standards in ICP-MS Labs?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 16, 2020 9:30:00 AM / by Courtney Dillon posted in Certified Reference Materials, ICP, Aqueous standards

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An ICP-MS system will operate and deliver numerical data even if not set up correctly or operating at expected levels. As discussed in a previous blog, Improve your ICP-OES Performance by using an Internal Standard, internal standards can be used to compensate for a variety of factors that degrade analytical performance, however, proper instrument set-up is core to data integrity. As a result, tuning of ICP-MS instruments is considered by most users to be a daily, if not more frequent, activity, and a prerequisite for achieving accurate results. Best practices dictate, and many standard methods require, that a sample sequence begin with an optimization block, during which a tuning solution is used to set-up the instrument.

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Exploring the “Why” and “How” of ICP-OES Wavelength Calibration

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 10, 2020 10:00:00 AM / by Courtney Dillon posted in Certified Reference Materials, ICP, Aqueous standards

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ICP-OES is the go-to-technique across a number of industries, and when configured correctly, today’s instruments yield detection limits of 1 to 10 ppb for the majority of elements. Although a powerful elemental analysis technique, it is in fact a simple comparator, incapable of making absolute measurements. 

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New ARMI Analytical Capabilities

[fa icon="calendar'] Dec 20, 2017 2:53:35 PM / by Dave Coler posted in ICP, WDXRF, Custom Reference Materials

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LGC ARMI now has new analytical capabilities including ICP-OES, ICP-MS and WDXRF in our Manchester, NH facility.  Our ISO 17025 laboratory is also equipped with the new ColdBlock rapid digestion system as well as other conventional sample preparation equipment.

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Reducing Contamination in the Preparation of Metal Alloys for Analysis by ICP

[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 31, 2017 8:00:00 AM / by Susan J. Evans Norris posted in Sample Preparation, metal alloys, ICP

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We have received several questions regarding the best approach to cleaning solid samples and standards that have been prepared as chips for analysis by a total dissolution technique, such as ICP-OES or ICP-MS. Let’s first discuss common approaches for sampling, and then appropriate methodologies for ensuring chips are clean and free from contamination.

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How to Prepare Metal Alloy Samples for Analysis by ICP-OES or ICP-MS

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 23, 2017 5:57:49 PM / by Susan J. Evans Norris posted in Sample Preparation, metal alloys, ICP, coldBlock, Microwave digestion, HotBlock

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Metal alloys are commonly analyzed using solid sampling techniques such as Arc/spark optical emission spectroscopy (A/S OES), X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (both Energy Dispersive (ED-XRF) and Wavelength Dispersive (WD-XRF)), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). These techniques provide fast analysis with little or no sample preparation required, and can be provided as portable units, and in the case of XRF, hand-held units, for maximum flexibility. These techniques also are considered non-destructive in that the metal alloy is left largely unchanged after analysis, and is available for further testing or archiving.

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Improve your ICP-OES Performance by using an Internal Standard

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 2, 2017 12:40:33 PM / by Susan J. Evans Norris posted in Certified Reference Materials, metal alloys, ICP

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The use of an Internal Standard (IS) can significantly improve both the accuracy and precision of your ICP-OES analytical results. This post addresses:  how internal standards work, how to select an appropriate IS element, and how this methodology can be easily incorporated into your lab’s analytical procedures.

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Three Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Preparing Aqueous Multi-element Standards for AA, ICP, or ICP-MS

[fa icon="calendar'] May 9, 2017 8:00:00 AM / by Susan J. Evans Norris posted in AA, ICP-MA, ICP, Aqueous standards

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Generating high quality, accurate laboratory results starts with high quality, accurate standards. If your calibration standards are not correct, the analyses will not be accurate. Here are three common mistakes, and what you can do to avoid them, when preparing aqueous calibration standards for use in AA, ICP, or ICP-MS techniques.

 

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