We are targeting labs looking for matrix tolerance and detection power - PerkinElmer

PerkinElmer has launched an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) that it claims can handle any sample matrix, address any interference and detect any particle size.

The NexION 2000 ICP-MS can help detect a broad range of elements at ultra-trace levels.

High-throughput contract lab professionals (including food and environmental), government and academic labs, QA/QC labs (food and pharmaceutical) can use it for a variety of applications, said the firm.

Matrix tolerance and detection power

The NexION 2000 measures toxic elements, such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead in ppt range and nutritional elements such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium at % level in the same sample run.

“We are targeting food laboratories looking for innovative platform offering both the matrix tolerance of an ICP-OES and the detection power of an ICP-MS,” the firm told us.

“The instrument is designed to address customer challenges in this market with focus on productivity, versatility while maintaining the ease of use.”

Using the example of Chromium, the firm said an analyte interfered by carbon as ArC and oxygen as ArO, the NexION 2000 with its Dynamic Reaction capability using pure ammonia is able to resolve complex spectral overlap delivering accurate results at ppt levels.

PerkinElmer said it was a high end instrument fitted with built-in sample delivery valve for high sample throughput, All Matrix Solution (AMS) technology for high matrix tolerance, a 34 MHZ Solid state RF generator for performance, three gas channels for maximum versatility in handling spectral interferences and extended Dynamic Range (EDR) for analysis of nutritional (% level) and Toxic (ppt level) elements in food samples.    

Behind the instrument

Jim Corbett, EVP and president, discovery and analytical solutions at PerkinElmer, said it is designed to run multi-elemental analyses so customers gain insights into important issues and ensure compliance with regulations.

“Increasing concerns around food safety, clean water and soil have resulted in tightened industry policies, leaving analytical laboratories tasked with managing an increasing amount of samples, a broad range of sample types, and time-consuming analyses.”

The Universal Cell Tech (UCT) offers Dynamic Reaction Mode and Collision Mode means of overcoming interferences.

Using Dynamic reaction mode, interferences are reduced by up to twelve order of magnitude without significantly affecting the sensitivity and achieving ppt detection limit capabilities.

Three gas channels combined with three modes of operation offer better interference removal, delivering better detection limits/improved data accuracy, said the firm.

A solid-state RF generator with LumiCoil technology allows reduction of Argon consumption by 15%.

A SMARTintro sample-introduction module simplifies operator setup, streamlining workflow by offering customers the option of using the most appropriate sample intro system for the type of matrix and detection limit required.

Scanning and data acquisition speeds (100,000 points/sec), combined with proprietary software-based algorithms provide advanced characterization of nanoparticles and single cells.

PerkinElmer reported revenue of $2.3bn in 2015 and has 8,000 employees serving customers in more than 150 countries.