Trace and ultra-trace metals analysis

Trace metal analysis has been the specialty of the ALS laboratory in Luleå, Sweden for over 30 years. By operating the most sensitive analytical instrumentation (ICP-SFMS) in a controlled environment, ALS offers testing at trace- and ultra-trace levels with quantification limits (LOQs) matched by very few labs worldwide.

Trace metal testing laboratory

The ALS trace elements laboratory is designed to enable handling of sensitive sample types to minimize cross-contaminations. To date our instrumental park consists of 15 High Resolution ICP-MS (ICP-SFMS) instruments for trace- and ultra-trace elements analysis as well as isotope ratio measurements. In this technique, a magnetic sector is used as the mass analyzer (SF = sector field), which distinguishes ICP-SFMS from the more common quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QMS). The sector technique is also called High-Resolution ICP-MS because of the higher mass resolution of the magnetic sector compared to the quadrupole.

In addition to routine testing ALS Scandinavia also offers method development and validation for the project at hand. This has generated long experience in collaborating with universities, medical centers, industries and authorities. Our highly qualified and experienced staff is available for support throughout the whole project at hand. We have long experience from consulting our clients with regard to the metal analysis but also for sample preparation, pre-treatment and reporting

Full metal coverage screenings

Our screenings includes about 70 elements. This comprehensive analysis is useful for a number of applications such as:

• Estimating background levels in environmental samples such as water, biota, sediment, etc.
• In cases where it is uncertain which elements to expect in an analytical sample. Data from our screening analyses are often used in deciding which metals to analyze quantitatively on a routine basis.

The test can be offered quantitatively and semi-quantitatively for all elements included. Please contact us for more information or to request a quotation.

Reporting limits (LOQ)

The semi-quantitative screening can be offered for all imaginable sample matrices, and the standard LOQs will therefore also vary. Typically, LOQs for trace elements can vary from 0.00005 µg/L to 0.01 µg/L in liquids or from 0.00005 mg/kg to 0.05 mg/kg in solids. Lab will do all necessary to provide customer with best achievable LORs. Standard pricing refers to analysis without matrix separation or analyte pre-concentration. Using those, it is possible to lower LOR by approximately factor 10.

ALS offers the most sensitive analytical technique avaialable for trace-element analysis, High Resolution ICP-MS (ICP-SFMS). Our laboratory in Luleå, Sweden is custom-built, and our routines optimized, for this purpose. By ordering the screening analysis of elements you can be sure that ALS will attempt to keep the LOQs as low as possible for your specific analysis. Please contact us for more information.

Sample quantities

The metals screening can be performed on very low sample amounts, typically from 20mg for solid samples and few ml for liquids. The recommended sample amount will depend on sample matrix, please contact us for more information.

In cases of extremely low sample amounts, LOQs may be affected and the appropriate sampling procedure as well as containers should be discussed with the laboratory.