Agilent ICP-MS Journal (February 2021, Issue 83)

Significance of the Topic

The reliable, high-throughput determination of trace and major elements is essential across environmental monitoring, food safety, consumer product testing, pharmaceutical QC and clinical research. ICP-MS offers unmatched sensitivity, wide dynamic range and multi-element capability, but routine laboratories require simplified workflows, minimal method development and robust performance to meet tight turnaround times and regulatory demands.

Objectives and Study Overview

This publication issue focuses on approaches to improve ease of use and efficiency of ICP-MS workflows. It introduces the Agilent 7850 ICP-MS designed for rapid setup and reliable analysis of varied high-matrix samples. An application example illustrates how the IntelliQuant feature enhances routine food analysis. Finally, an automated multi-element speciation method using HPLC-ICP-MS with a Quick Change valve head is demonstrated for unattended operation.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Ultra-High Matrix Introduction (UHMI) provides automated aerosol dilution, enabling analysis of samples up to percent-level total dissolved solids without matrix matching or method retuning.
• The ORS helium collision cell with KED removes common polyatomic interferences, allowing routine use of HCl for analyte stabilization and simplifying sample preparation.
• ICP-MS MassHunter software v5.1 with Method Wizard, Pre-/Post-Run checks and Early Maintenance Feedback streamlines method setup, system health monitoring and maintenance scheduling.
• The IntelliQuant function acquires a two-second full mass Quick Scan in He mode, yielding semiquantitative data for up to 78 elements and isotope pattern matching for contamination screening.
• Automated HPLC-ICP-MS speciation employs an Agilent 1260 Infinity II system with a Quaternary pump and InfinityLab Quick Change 4-column-selector valve head, enabling sequential As(III)/As(V), methylmercury and Br/I speciation in one unattended sequence.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 7850 and 7800 single-quadrupole ICP-MS
• ORS4 helium collision cell
• Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter software v5.1 and ICP-Go interface
• Agilent 1260 Infinity II Quaternary HPLC with InfinityLab Quick Change valve heads
• Agilent 7900 ICP-MS, LC connection kit G1833-65200

Main Results and Discussion

• UHMI extends matrix tolerance and provides 10 orders of magnitude dynamic range (0.1 ppt to >1000 ppm), eliminating over-range reruns and matrix-matched calibrations.
• Helium collision mode enables routine use of HCl, stabilizing analytes such as Hg and preventing Cl-based interferences.
• MassHunter IntelliQuant delivers rapid semiquantitative impurity profiles, heat-map visualization and isotope template matching to flag unexpected elements in food samples.
• Automated HPLC speciation shows consistent retention, precision and recovery for As species, methylmercury and Br/I species over multi-day unattended runs.

Benefits and Practical Applications

These enhancements dramatically reduce sample preparation, method development and maintenance time traps, increase sample throughput and confidence in data quality, and support compliance with regulated methods for water, soils and food. IntelliQuant provides added screening capability within routine runs, enabling early detection of contaminants.

Future Trends and Applications

Integration of AI-driven diagnostics, further automation of multi-method sequences and expansion of unattended operation will drive increased productivity. Coupling to additional separation techniques and incorporation of predictive maintenance will extend the applicability of ICP-MS in complex matrices and high-volume testing environments.

Conclusion

The Agilent 7850 ICP-MS, combined with advanced software and modular HPLC speciation options, simplifies routine elemental and speciation analyses. These workflow improvements deliver high performance with minimal user intervention, supporting broader adoption of ICP-MS in regulated and commercial laboratories.

References

• Agilent Technologies. Enhanced Helium Collision Mode with Agilent ORS4 Cell. Publication 5994-1171EN.
• Nelson J., McCurdy E. Determination of Critical Elements in Foods per US FDA EAM 4.7. Publication 5994-2839EN.
• Agilent Technologies. Handbook of Hyphenated ICP-MS Applications, 2nd Edition. Publication 5989-9473EN.
• Wahlen R., Catterick T. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 2004;18:211–217.
• Agilent Technologies. Automated Sequencing of Elemental Speciation Methods Using HPLC-ICP-MS with a Quick Change Valve Head. Publication 5994-2943EN.