SciMed Education
Saving money on ICP-MS analysis with the PlasmaQuant MS.
What is ICP-MS?
ICP mass spectrometry is one of the most powerful and versatile techniques for elemental analysis.
It is widely utilised in industrial, regulatory, and research settings. In addition to its initial purchase cost, running costs due to argon consumption are substantial.
Here we show how the PlasmaQuant MS from Analytik Jena (PQMS) can reduce these costs dramatically.
How much argon does ICP-MS use?
Argon fuels the inductively coupled plasma, providing temperatures of 7000 -10,000 °C . Elements in the sample are atomized and ionized (M+) for mass spectrometric detection.
Typical argon flow rates in ICP-MS total 20-24 L/min, including 1L/min for the nebulizer gas, 1-2 L/min for the auxiliary gas, and 17-20 L/min for the plasma gas.
The PlasmaQuant MS (PQMS) from Analytik Jena, however, employs the patented Eco Plasma to dramatically reduce the plasma gas flow to as little as 7.5 L/min, providing up to 50% saving of argon consumption.
What is the environmental impact of ICP-MS?
The low argon consumption of PQMS also provides an important environmental sustainability benefit. Argon is a finite resource that takes energy to produce, store and import. Low argon consumption benefits the environment and reduces the carbon footprint of the laboratory and business.
How much does an ICP-MS cost to buy?
The initial purchase cost of ICP-MS is substantial, as it is a precise analytical instrument with a limited number of units sold each year.
From our experience, the PQMS typically has a slightly higher initial purchase cost than a typical single ICP-MS systems, but once the savings from argon consumption are factored in this cost is very quicky recovered.
The initial purchase costs of Tandem ICPMS/MS instruments are much higher than single quad systems including PQMS, and the argon consumption costs from these systems are about the same as a typical system.
How can I save money on ICP-MS analysis?
Below is an extrapolation of costs over an estimated 10-year lifetime of an ICP-MS system, based on a lab operating the ICP-MS for 14 hours per day 50 weeks per year, adjusted for a 5% annual inflation (Figure 2).
It demonstrates savings of more than £60,000 using the PQMS, a significant contribution to purchasing a new system.
How many samples can I measure in one day by ICP-MS?
The PQMS is fully compatible with flow-injection type autosamplers such as the Teledyne LABS ASXpress®. Compared to traditional peristaltic pump driven uptake with sequential sample uptake, stabilization, measurement, and washout steps, these systems reduce total samples throughput by 50% or more (e.g. 4 minutes per sample is reduced to 2 minutes per sample).
The unique iCRC interference management system of the PQMS also allows rapid (min. 1s) switching between gas modes, e.g. helium to no-gas and no-gas to hydrogen, compared to >10s to achieve stability with standard ICP-MS instruments.
Are there other costs in ICP-MS?
As with all analytical instruments well-trained staff are required for optimal operation, salary will be the greatest cost. SciMed provide introductory, advanced, and bespoke training courses by an Applications Specialist
Is the performance of PQMS compromised by the low argon gas flow?
On the contrary, the PQMS outperforms other single quadrupole ICP-MS in most key metrics of sensitivity (counts per second), speed, and interference removal. The performance challenges that of ICP-MS/MS systems but at a lower cost.
What to do next?
If you’re looking to cut operating costs and boost your lab’s efficiency, the next step is simple: get in touch with SciMed.
Request a personalised cost-saving estimate based on your lab’s usage.
Learn how the PlasmaQuant MS can deliver better performance with significantly lower argon consumption.
See how quickly you can recover your investment and benefit from industry-leading technology.
Our experts are ready to help you find the best solution for your lab, so speak to us at SciMed today and take the first step towards smarter, more sustainable ICP-MS analysis
FAQ's
Argon consumption is a major ongoing cost for ICP-MS users, with traditional systems using 20–24 L/min of argon. The PlasmaQuant MS from Analytik Jena dramatically cuts plasma gas flow to as low as 7.5 L/min using its patented Eco Plasma technology, delivering up to 50% savings on argon usage. Lower gas consumption means significantly reduced running costs and improved environmental sustainability without compromising performance.
Yes, investing in a PlasmaQuant MS can result in substantial long-term savings. Although the initial purchase cost may be slightly higher than conventional single-quadrupole ICP-MS systems, savings on argon consumption can exceed £60,000 over a typical 10-year lifespan. Combined with higher sample throughput and lower environmental impact, the PQMS offers exceptional return on investment for laboratories focused on efficiency and cost control.
Standard ICP-MS systems typically consume around 20–24 L/min of argon. In contrast, the PlasmaQuant MS reduces plasma gas flow to as low as 7.5 L/min. This difference translates into significant cost savings on gas and lower carbon emissions, making PQMS one of the most sustainable and economical ICP-MS options on the market today.
The PlasmaQuant MS is compatible with advanced autosamplers such as the Teledyne LABS ASXpress®, which allows for flow-injection sample introduction. This approach can cut analysis time per sample by 50% or more. Combined with fast iCRC gas mode switching (as little as 1 second), the PQMS enables much faster sample throughput compared to conventional ICP-MS instruments, helping labs process more samples in less time.
No, reducing argon consumption does not compromise the performance of the PlasmaQuant MS. In fact, the PQMS outperforms many other single quadrupole ICP-MS systems in terms of sensitivity, speed, and interference removal. Thanks to its Eco Plasma technology and innovative design, it competes with even more expensive tandem ICP-MS/MS systems, offering outstanding analytical performance with lower operational costs
Contact Us Today
We take great pleasure in assisting you and ensuring you get a prompt response to your questions
Live chat opening hours Mon – Fri 9:15 to 16:30 (UK Time)