Sample Preparation and analyzing. 

photo mosaic Samples are first digested in acid and diluted appropriately. Analysis is performed using either an Inductively-Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer or an Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. For both instruments, the sample is introduced into a plasma of argon atoms. The temperature of the plasma is approximately 10,000 degrees Celcius! At this temperature the components of the sample are atomized and promoted to a higher energy state. The atomic emission spectrometer measures the characteristic color of light given off by each element as  they relax back to a lower energy level. The mass spectrometer separates and measures the ionized elements according  to the ratio of mass to charge. With both techniques, the intensity of the measurements for each sample is compared to a  series of standards and the concentration of each element is calculated to a high degree of accuracy.  

The Inductively-Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer is used primarily for samples known to have relatively high concentrations of the elements of interest. However, the Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer is a more ophisticated instrument used for the detection of extremely trace levels of elements. Using the Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, we are able to detect elements at the sub-parts-per-billion level!  

TRACE ELEMENT ANALYSIS :  

Mass Spectroscopy (ICP MS) efficienty and accurately determines the level of toxic exposure in blood, urine and hair samples with a capability to accurately measure toxic and trace elements in the  part per billion (ppb) or microgram per liter range. For certain elements, the detection is in the part per trillion range.  

MINERAL ANALYSIS or MACRO ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS is performed via ICP Spectroscopy, a highly accurate measurement of elements that are present in hair, blood or urine in the part per million or mg/L range.