Trace Elemental Analysis (ICP-MS & ICP-OES)

Trace elemental analysis identifies and quantifies metallic and inorganic impurities from major elements down to trace levels. At Lucideon, we apply ICP-MS for ultra-low detection limits, and ICP-OES for rapid multi-element quantification at low-to-mid ppm levels - providing precise data you can trust for product release, problem-solving, and compliance. Our chemical analysis laboratories are UKAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, with methods tailored to your matrix and regulatory needs.

Why choose Lucideon for trace element analysis?

• Ultra-trace sensitivity - ICP-MS routinely reaches trace level detection with mass-selective specificity for elemental and isotopic confirmation
• Speed for multi-element panels - ICP-OES rapidly quantifies a broad suite of elements for screening, trending, and process control
• Method selection that fits the risk - we choose ICP-MS, ICP-OES, or a combined approach to balance sensitivity, speed, interferences, and cost. (Common industry practice pairs ICP-MS for trace/ultra-trace with ICP-OES for majors/minors.)
• End-to-end expertise - from sampling guidance and digestion strategy through to data interpretation and corrective actions, drawing on our wider testing and consultancy expertise
• Integrated with wider testing - we can combine trace elemental analysis with broader chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and microstructural evaluation, giving you a single laboratory partner for both composition and performance assessments of advanced materials and components

What we test and why it matters

• Pharmaceuticals & medical - elemental impurities to ICH Q3D; extractables & leachables for devices/packaging (e.g., metals from elastomers, polymers, glass)
• Advanced materials & components - alloy verification, contamination control, raw-material qualification across metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites
• Nuclear, energy & defence - determination of detrimental elements and halides to support material selection and compliance (e.g., MIL-STD)
• Biomaterials & coatings - trace metals in hydroxyapatite and coated implants

Techniques we use

ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry). Trace quantification with mass and isotope selectivity; ideal for ICH Q3D, impurity profiling, and leachable metals at very low levels.

ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy). High-throughput, multi-element quantification for majors, minors, and many trace elements - ideal for routine screening and process control

We often combine ICP-MS and ICP-OES to cover a very wide concentration range efficiently

Typical deliverables

• Clear, decision-ready reports - method, calibration, detection limits, QC checks
• Actionable interpretation - what results mean for specification, process, or compliance
• Optional corroboration - link with SEM-EDX, XRD, EPMA or surface analysis when morphology or near-surface chemistry is important

Example use cases

• ICH Q3D elemental impurities panel for drug product or API
• Extractables/leachables investigations on devices and packaging
• Detrimental elements/halides verification for defence/nuclear programmes
• Raw material qualification and contamination trending for advanced manufacturing
• Trace metals in bio-ceramics (e.g., hydroxyapatite)

How we ensure quality

Our laboratories operate to UKAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017, with validated methods, matrix-matched calibration where required, and robust QA/QC (blanks, spikes, CRMs). Where appropriate, we align testing to recognized standards (e.g., ICH Q3D, ISO methods, MIL-STD).

Related Lucideon services

• Chemical analysis - overview of analytical chemistry services
• SEM-EDX - microstructural imaging and elemental localization
• Surface analysis - XPS/ToF-SIMS and other surface-sensitive techniques
• Contamination analysis (for pharmaceuticals and medical devices) – metals by ICP alongside LC-MS/GC-MS