What Elements Can Be Analysed Using ICP-OES? A Practical Guide for Laboratories

chrisgrayson
May 14
4 min read

What is ICP-OES used for?

ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) is used to determine the elemental composition of a sample, particularly where consistent and repeatable data is required across multiple elements.

In practice, it tends to sit within quality control and compliance workflows, where results directly influence batch release or regulatory decisions. It’s also used in R&D when there is a need to better understand material composition or identify potential contaminants.

What elements can be analysed with ICP-OES?

ICP-OES covers a broad range of elements, from those present in relatively high concentrations through to trace-level impurities. To understand what elements can be analysed with ICP-OES, the answer depends on the method, but most routine work falls into a few familiar categories.

For general ICP metal analysis, elements such as iron, copper, zinc, aluminium, calcium and sodium are commonly measured. These are typically part of routine quality control and are often present at higher concentrations within the sample.

At lower concentrations, ICP-OES is well suited to detecting trace elements such as nickel, chromium, cobalt and manganese. These can be important from both a performance and contamination perspective, particularly in more tightly controlled environments.

Heavy metals are another key application. ICP-OES analysis for heavy metal content commonly includes lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic; particularly where regulatory limits apply in pharmaceutical or chemical testing.

One of the main advantages of ICP-OES is that it allows for multi-element analysis within a single run, which makes it useful not only for targeted testing but also for broader screening work.

What types of samples can be analysed using ICP-OES?

ICP-OES is commonly used across a wide range of industries, but the reliability of the results depends heavily on how the sample is prepared.

Typical applications include pharmaceutical materials, battery components, chemicals, polymers, and a wide range of raw materials and intermediates. In most cases, solid samples need to be converted into a liquid form before ICP-OES analysis can begin.

That preparation step is often where the success of the analysis is determined. If digestion is incomplete or inconsistent, the results will reflect that, regardless of how well the instrument performs.

Can ICP-OES analysis handle difficult samples?

It can, but this is usually where more experience is required.

Some materials, particularly those used in battery technology or more complex chemical systems, do not break down easily using standard digestion methods. Minerals and certain polymers can present similar challenges.

In these situations, stronger approaches such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) digestion are often needed to fully dissolve the sample before ICP-OES analysis. Without this, results may be incomplete or require re-testing, which adds time and cost.

In practice, many of the issues associated with ICP-OES don’t come from the analysis itself, but from how well the sample has been prepared beforehand.

When should you use ICP-OES for metal analysis?

ICP-OES is generally the right choice when there is a need for reliable metal analysis across multiple elements, particularly where turnaround time is important.

This is often the case in quality control environments, where results are tied closely to production schedules. It is also widely used for contamination analysis, particularly when trace elements or heavy metals need to be identified or monitored.

In regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, ICP-OES analysis for heavy metal content provides a dependable method for meeting compliance requirements.

What can affect ICP-OES analysis results?

Although ICP-OES is a well-established technique, the quality of results depends on how well the overall process is controlled.

Sample preparation is one of the most important factors, followed by instrument calibration and stability. Matrix interferences can also affect readings if they are not properly accounted for, which is why method selection is important in any ICP-OES analysis.

Quality control procedures within each analytical run help to identify issues early, but in reality, most problems can be traced back to preparation or setup rather than the instrument itself.

How to ensure reliable ICP-OES analysis

Reliable ICP-OES analysis comes from a combination of good process and experienced handling.

In most accredited laboratories, this means carrying out regular calibration checks, confirming system suitability before analysis begins, and running reference standards alongside client samples. Maintaining full traceability of results is also essential, particularly where data may be used for compliance or audit purposes.

Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 provides an additional level of assurance that ICP-OES testing is carried out consistently and to a recognised standard.

ICP-OES testing services in the UK

For organisations outsourcing ICP-OES testing, the differences between laboratories are not always obvious at first. In most cases, they come down to turnaround time, experience with different sample types, and how clearly results are reported.

At Exeter Analytical, the focus is on delivering reliable ICP-OES analysis across both routine testing and more complex sample work. This includes materials that require advanced digestion techniques, as well as standard multi-element analysis.

View our ICP-OES analysis services