Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis lab services providing precision elemental analysis or trace metals analysis across diverse industry sectors
ICP analysis is utilised across a huge variety of sectors, including chemicals, petroleum, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, making it an indispensable tool for solving complex analytical challenges. The elemental data ICP analysis provides includes quantified elemental compositions or the levels of trace metals and is key to meeting regulatory requirements or ensuring product safety and quality.
ICP testing encompasses multiple indispensable techniques, including Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). These bring the advantages of performing multi-element screening or quantification simultaneously in a single analysis, with exceptional sensitivity and precision in quantifying trace and ultra-trace elements. With the possibility of reaching low detection limits with low sample volume requirements, this technique is ideal for high-value samples where purity and quality are key issues. Using ICP-MS in particular, it is possible to detect several elements at levels below 0.1 part per trillion (ppt) (dependent on the sample matrix) - this is equivalent to one drop of water (50 µL) in 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools (500 million litres).
ICP Chemical Analysis Applications
Intertek's expert ICP testing laboratories, specialise in ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis services. Across the globe, our highly skilled analysts deploy state-of-the-art equipment to gain insight into trace metals testing and analysis. Our experienced scientists can support you with ICP analysis and interpretation of the elemental data reported to help you understand your sample.
In the chemical industry, we use ICP testing to help ensure the purity and quality of raw materials, intermediates, and final products whilst sample-dependent, our experts are able to detect impurities present at trace and ultra-trace levels that might compromise product integrity or safety, supporting companies to resolve contamination.
For the cosmetics industry, consumer trust is paramount. Our cosmetics scientists perform ICP heavy metal analysis according to ISO 21392 to identify and quantify trace heavy metals in cosmetics, ensuring that products are safe for use and compliant with regulations. We also provide trace metal testing for food contact regulatory requirements.
In the pharmaceutical field, where safety and compliance are of paramount importance, ICP-MS analysis is indispensable. Our pharmaceutical labs perform testing to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and industry methods such as USP <233> and ICH Q3D. We enable the precise measurement of elemental impurities in drug formulations, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance.
In the petroleum sector, our ICP testing laboratories play a pivotal role in evaluating the composition of crude oil, lubricants, and catalysts. This information is essential for optimising refining processes and ensuring product performance.
Your ICP analysis laboratory partner
We offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each industry, spanning method development, validation, sample preparation, and in-depth data interpretation including trace metals testing, elemental analysis, inorganic analysis and contamination resolution. Choose Intertek as your ICP analysis lab partner; our team has the expertise and precision needed to navigate the complex analytical challenges you face, ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance.
