ICP-MS is the most advanced technology used for doing trace metal analysis in biological and non-biological samples. ICP-MS is combination of two well established technologies namely, ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) source and MS (Mass Spectrometry). ICP is a very high temperature excitation source, the temperature of which is maintained at about 10000 K, that effectively decomposes, atomizes and ionizes the atoms. Mass spectrometry is a technology which discriminates these ions depending on their mass to charge ratio. It is used for quantification of ionized atoms, thus ICP-MS gives quantitative as well as qualitative results.
Apart from blood specimen analysis, it is also used in elemental analysis in food industries, drinking and waste water industries.
