ICP Analysis Services

Get precise, reliable testing for trace elements with Element’s ICP analysis services. With cutting-edge techniques like ICP-MS, ICP-AES and ICP-OES, we offer tailored solutions for compliance, safety, and quality control, across a wide range of industries. Whether you need fast, cost-effective testing or detailed analysis, Element ensures high accuracy and timely results, backed by our expert team.

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What are ICP Analysis Services at Element?

Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis is a versatile and highly sensitive technique used to detect and quantify trace and ultra-trace elements in samples. At Element, we specialize in offering customized ICP analysis services across multiple techniques, including ICP-MS, ICP-AES, and ICP-OES. We focus on delivering accurate, reliable results for industries ranging from aerospace to life sciences, ensuring that our tests meet your specific needs.

What Can Element Offer You For ICP Analysis?

Key tests offered

We deliver comprehensive elemental analysis including trace metals detection, ultra-low concentration measurements, and full compositional analysis. Our services span from ppb-level trace analysis to high concentration measurements up to 99%, with specialized testing for RoHS compliance and elemental impurities in pharmaceuticals. We offer both standard and customized testing protocols, including method development and validation for unique applications, toxicity testing, and specialized analytical services.

ICP-MS Analysis:
ICP Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a versatile tool for detecting and quantifying elements in samples across environmental, industrial, and biological fields. It measures elements and isotopes at low (ppb) and ultra-low (ppt) concentrations, using inductively coupled plasma to ionize samples and a mass spectrometer to quantify ions. ICP-MS is ideal for trace elemental analysis in water, seawater, soil, sludges, plant materials, and food.

ICP-OES Analysis:
ICP Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) identifies and quantifies trace elements in solids, liquids, and suspensions. It can analyze small samples, including drillings, millings, or swarf, with concentrations from ppm to 99%. Common applications include metal powder characterization for additive manufacturing, toxicity testing, analyzing children’s toys, medical/pharmacy product testing for metal contaminants, and RoHS testing.

Some examples include:

Metal powder characterization for additive manufacturing

Analysis of children’s toys and childcare products

Toxicity test

Medical/pharmacy products to look for metal contaminants

Compositional analysis: RoHS testing

ICP-AES Analysis:
ICP Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) is an effective method for analyzing both trace and major concentrations of elements, reaching down to parts per billion (ppb).

Materials and products we test

Our ICP testing covers metals, non-metals, liquids, paints, greases, plant tissue, pharmaceuticals, and coatings. We analyze environmental samples, industrial products, and biological specimens requiring precise elemental composition analysis. From metal powder characterization for additive manufacturing to toxicity testing in medical products, we handle materials across diverse industries, providing both standard and customized testing solutions.

Our capabilities include:

Metal alloys and powders for industrial applications and additive manufacturing

Environmental samples including water, soil, and sludge materials

Pharmaceutical and medical products for contamination and impurity analysis

Industrial coatings, paints, and process materials

Biological specimens and plant tissue analysis

Methods and solutions offered

We provide ICP-MS for ultra-trace analysis down to ppt levels, enabling detection of minimal concentrations in complex matrices. Our ICP-OES capabilities offer versatile element detection in solids and liquids, while ICP-AES delivers precise analysis of major and trace concentrations. We support comprehensive testing solutions including method development, validation, specialized sample preparation techniques, and material grading following analysis. Our services extend to environmental compliance testing, product-regulated testing, and customized analytical solutions across multiple industries.

Spark OES Technique
Element’s Spark OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy) technique offers cost-effective and rapid testing for standard materials, ideal for large batches or non-critical testing requirements.

Customized ICP Solutions
Element's approach includes method development, validation, and comprehensive data interpretation, ensuring that even complex samples are analyzed accurately, with tailored solutions for your unique business needs.

Cutting-edge equipment we use

Our state-of-the-art ICP instrumentation enables precise analysis across diverse sample types, from small drillings and millings to complex matrices. Our advanced equipment delivers detection limits from parts per trillion to percentage levels, supporting both routine testing and complex analytical challenges. This technology allows us to analyze samples of various sizes and compositions with consistently high accuracy, while maintaining strict quality control standards throughout the testing process.

Which labs offer this service

Element offers ICP analysis services at our globally recognized laboratories. With a network spanning across multiple regions, we ensure that customers have access to expert ICP testing capabilities wherever they are, backed by an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited testing network. Find your nearest Materials Testing hub on our Locations Page.

Industry-specific expertise

We support aerospace, environmental, pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturing sectors with targeted solutions for additive manufacturing powder characterization, environmental compliance testing, and medical product analysis. Our expertise extends to water and soil analysis, product-regulated testing, and specialized analyses for emerging industry needs. Each sector benefits from our dedicated approach to meeting specific industry standards and regulatory requirements, backed by ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

American Public Health Association

APHA 3120 B Modified, APHA 3125 B

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM 2823, ASTM A751, ASTM D1976, ASTM D4294, ASTM D5708

ASTM D7220, ASTM D7303, ASTM D7751, ASTM E1019, ASTM E1085

ASTM E1086, ASTM E1097, ASTM E1131, ASTM E1184, ASTM E1251

ASTM E1277, ASTM E1361, ASTM E1409, ASTM E1447, ASTM E1473

ASTM E1479, ASTM E1621, ASTM E1834, ASTM E1941, ASTM E227

ASTM E2371, ASTM E2465, ASTM E2594, ASTM E29, ASTM E305

ASTM E3061, ASTM E322, ASTM E350, ASTM E351, ASTM E352

ASTM E353, ASTM E354, ASTM E414, ASTM E415, ASTM E478

ASTM E53, ASTM E539, ASTM E572

Consumer Product Safety Commission

CPSC-CH-E1001-08.2, CPSC-CH-E1002-08.2

CPSC-CH-E1003-09, CPSC-CH-E1003-09.1

British Standards

EN 14242, EN ISO 13032

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA 1311, EPA 200.7, EPA 200.8, EPA 245.1, EPA 3125B

EPA 6010, EPA 6010B, EPA 6020, EPA 6020A, EPA 7470, EPA 7471

International Organization for Standardization

ISO 11885

McKeague

McKeague 4.47, McKeague 4.51, McKeague 4.65

National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP)

Nadcap Codes F3, G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, S, V

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Accurate and Timely Testing:

Element provides fast and reliable ICP analysis services, ensuring that you get precise results on time—whether you need quick turnaround for regulatory compliance or detailed research and testing.

Customizable Testing for Complex Needs:

With a flexible approach to ICP analysis, we customize testing solutions to meet your specific industry requirements, whether it’s for trace element detection, regulatory compliance, or material verification.

Navigating complex compliance requirements

Navigating complex regulatory standards can be challenging. Element helps streamline your ICP testing, ensuring that your results meet ASTM, EPA, and other relevant standards for compliance, so you can stay focused on your business needs.

Reducing risk of errors

Element uses advanced ICP equipment and expert sample preparation techniques to ensure the highest-quality results, reducing the risk of error and guaranteeing repeatable, reliable results for your critical testing needs.

Element Experts at your Service

Dan Olson

Chemist

View all experts

Why Choose Element

Reliable results & expert sample preparation

Proper sample prep by Element’s experts ensures accurate ICP analysis with reliable, consistent results.

Simplified data interpretation

Element’s experts simplify complex ICP data, making interpretation straightforward and accessible.

Advanced ICP instrumentation

Access advanced ICP instruments for analyzing metals, liquids, pharmaceuticals, coatings, and more.

An unwavering commitment to quality

Element ensures consistent, reliable results with strict quality control and assurance standards.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Accredited

Industry-leading testing standards.

8,500
Employees Globally

A vast network of experts.

Over 30
Years Experience

Trusted by diverse industries.

But don't just take our word for it

See what others have to say about partnering with Element

Element is a very customer-driven company, and they show that through how their employees treat their customers. We have had some 'difficult' tests, but Element helped us through it all—their teams work phenomenally together, which shows in the quality. We look forward to our continual relationship with Element.
Tyler Smith,
Electronics Metal Finishing Corp

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Frequently asked questions

What detection limits can GC/MS analysis achieve?

Our advanced equipment can detect compounds in the parts per billion or parts per trillion range, providing exceptional accuracy for trace analysis.

How do you handle samples with multiple compounds?

We use specialized separation techniques and may require multiple samples to deliver comprehensive, accurate results for complex mixtures.

What is ICP-MS?

ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) is a technique used to detect and quantify low concentrations of elements in samples by ionizing them in an inductively coupled plasma and analyzing their mass-to-charge ratio.

How does ICP-OES differ from ICP-AES?

ICP-OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy) and ICP-AES (Atomic Emission Spectroscopy) are both techniques for detecting trace elements, but ICP-OES uses optical emission while ICP-AES measures emitted light for quantification, offering unique advantages depending on the sample type.