Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is the most sensitive technique available for multi-element trace metal analysis, capable of measuring most elements of the periodic table at concentrations in the parts-per-trillion (ppt) range in a single analytical run. The technique introduces a sample into a high-temperature argon plasma (approximately 8000-10000 K) that completely atomizes and ionizes the sample, and the resulting ions are sorted by mass-to-charge ratio in a quadrupole mass spectrometer.

ICP-MS has become the definitive technique for pharmaceutical elemental impurity testing per ICH Q3D, which requires determination of 24 elements (Class 1: As, Cd, Hg, Pb; Class 2A/2B: Co, V, Ni, Tl, Pt, etc.; Class 3: Ba, Cr, Cu, Li, Mo, etc.) in drug products. The simultaneous multi-element capability enables measurement of all 24 ICH Q3D elements in approximately 10 minutes per sample.

Beyond pharmaceuticals, Auriga uses ICP-MS for food heavy metals testing against FSSAI regulatory limits, water quality analysis for trace metals per IS 10500 and WHO guidelines, environmental monitoring for metal contamination, and nutraceutical testing for heavy metals per FSSAI Health Supplements Regulations.