Trace Metals Analysis

Trace metals analysis allows detection and identification of low levels of metals in a sample which can be critical to product development, quality control and regulatory compliance. Determining trace levels of metals in samples can also help to identify contaminants and provides important data to help both process improvement and chemical product formulation development.

In a range of products, such as, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cosmetics, medical devices and consumer products, it is important to understand which trace metals are present and the levels at which they are present in the sample. This is critical as trace metals can impact a product’s toxicity and also affect how the substance interacts with other chemicals.

Working at trace levels, the quality, performance and sensitivity of the analytical instrument is critical and typically, trace level analysis requires experienced staff to operate highly selective technology using accurate and reliable methods.

Our laboratories provide Total Quality Assurance through responsive trace metals analysis services, available to parts per million (ppm), parts per billion (ppb) and parts per trillion (ppt) detection levels, deploying our expertise to adapt the methodology to the sample matrix and the nature of the analysis required. These levels can change over time with the evolution of global regulatory demands for a range of industries calling for lower and lower detection limits. Our experts monitor changes in legislation which impact your industry sector to ensure the most suitable approaches are deployed to reach the required limits.

Rapid sample screening and experienced quantification services for trace metal content are available through our global laboratory network.  Products analysed for trace metal content include chemicals, packaging and pharmaceuticals, crude oil petroleum, consumer products, cosmetics, food and catalysts.

Our scientists are highly skilled in the accurate quantification of elements at trace levels and in a variety of challenging matrices through inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We apply a range of sample preparation, such as microwave digestion techniques, that are most applicable to the sample in question.  Our scientists are proficient in method development and validation across a range of sample types.  We can offer bespoke single or multi-element analysis services as required including multi-analyte analytical packages for heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead).

Suitable sample preparation is vital to accurately measuring trace metal concentrations that are representative of the entire sample or the desired portion of the sample. Our scientists are proficient in method development and validation across a range of sample types. We apply a range of sample preparation techniques, such as extraction, filtering, hot-plate digestion, fusion, or microwave digestion that are most applicable to the sample in question.

Trace metals in pharmaceuticals
Our Good Manufacturing-compliant laboratories provide elemental impurity testing by ICP-OES and ICP-MS, in compliance with USP Chapters <232> and <233>, EP (2.4.20) and ICH Q3D. We use interference removal systems to give you reliable, accurate data for both raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products.

Our unrivalled experience and industry insight provides accurate quantification and verification of trace metals in your samples, however complex. We deliver responsive services through our laboratories located around the globe which are staffed by experts with over 25 years’ experience in trace metals analysis.