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ICP Operations Guide
A Guide for Using ICP-OES and ICP-MS
This guide is intended for anyone operating and preparing samples and standards for measurement
using ICP (ICP hereafter refers to either ICP-MS or ICP-OES). Our last guide, Trace Analysis:
A Guide for Attaining Reliable Measurements, focused on the task of achieving reliable trace
measurements by ICP. This series will not focus on any single topic, but rather upon a multitude
of day-to-day tasks required by all ICP operators. The topics will be fundamental in nature and are
intended as an aid for the analyst who is completely new or somewhat new to the technique of ICP.
able of contents
T
Multi-Element Standard Blends...................................4
1. Elemental and Matrix Compatibility
2. Quality Issues
3. Handling, Preparation and Storage of Standards
Sample Introduction....................................................11
4. Sample Introduction Systems
5. Nebulizers, Spray Chambers and Torches
6. Compatibility and Precision Issues
Performance Characteristics.......................................16
7. Linearity and Detection Limits
8. Spectral Interference: Types, Avoidance and Correction
9. Key Instrument Parameters
Calibration Techniques...............................................24
10. Calibration Curves
11. Standard Addition, Internal Standardization and Isotope Dilution
Problem Elements.......................................................28
12. Common Problems with Hg, Au, Si, Os and Na
13. Common Problems with Ag, As, S, Ba, Pb and Cr
Basic Calculations.......................................................32
14. Accuracy, Precision, Mean and Standard Deviation
15. Significant Figures and Uncertainty
16. Traceability
by Paul R. Gaines, PhD
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