DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › analytical chemistry

Liquid analysis: How one ICP-MS method measured up to 71 elements

By Freedom251 Team · · 8 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A 2018 analytical method showed how one liquid sample could be calibrated for as many as 71 inorganic elements in a single ICP-MS measurement. The approach was demonstrated on 15 liquids, from waters and beverages to biological samples, with reported analysis times ranging from seconds to several minutes.

That result describes a specific calibration and instrument arrangement—not a promise that every liquid, laboratory or modern ICP-MS system routinely screens 71 elements at once. The study’s importance is that it addressed the time and sample use of conventional sequential measurements by distributing ions of different masses across a flat plane for simultaneous detection.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What the 71-element claim actually means

“71 elements” is the maximum reported for the method described by M. Bäuchle and colleagues in RSC Advances 8 (2018), page 37008 (DOI 10.1039/c8ra07070a). Chemistry World summarized the work on 21 December 2018. The number refers to inorganic elements that the calibration approach could quantify from one liquid sample in the demonstrated ICP-MS setup.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

It does not mean that every sample contains all 71 elements, that every element is present above a useful detection limit, or that any ICP-MS instrument automatically has this capability. “Up to” matters: the method’s practical result depends on the sample matrix, the elements being sought and the calibration used for that measurement.

#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter | 4Pack Type C Female to A Male Cable Converter for Apple Duo 17 16 15 14 Plus,iWatch Watch 12 11 10,iPad 9 8 Air,Airpods 5 4
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

The reported element span ran from lithium to uranium. Those endpoints indicate a broad mass range rather than a list of 71 elements that should be expected in ordinary drinking water, blood or another particular liquid. The report does not establish equal sensitivity, accuracy or speed for every element across every matrix.

How the ICP-MS measurement works

From liquid to ions

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) introduces a prepared liquid into a very hot plasma. The plasma converts material in the sample into charged particles, or ions. A mass spectrometer then separates those ions according to their mass-to-charge characteristics, and the measured signals are converted into element amounts through calibration.

Calibration is the central point of the 2018 result. Instead of treating each element as an entirely separate run, the method establishes how signals from many elements relate to known concentrations in standards. Once that relationship is established, one sample introduction can provide the signals needed for a multi-element result.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Distributing different masses on a plane

The instrument arrangement described in the report focuses ions and distributes ions of different masses along a flat plane. In effect, ions that would otherwise be read one after another are directed to different positions for detection. The geometry is what enables simultaneous collection of many mass signals rather than a sequence of mass settings.

The report presents this as a way to quantify as many as 71 inorganic elements from one sample at once. It does not provide, in the accessible summary, a complete detector map, a full list of calibration standards or a quantitative uncertainty budget, so those details should not be inferred from the headline.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter | USB C Dongle with 90W Max Power Delivery, 3×5Gbps USB A Data Ports, for MacBook, Dell, and More (Charger Not Included)
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Why simultaneous measurement can matter

Traditional ICP-MS workflows commonly identify selected elements sequentially: the instrument measures one mass or a group of masses, changes its measurement conditions, and continues until the requested list is complete. Checking more elements therefore extends instrument time and consumes more of the sample as additional measurements are made.

The simultaneous approach changes that trade-off. A single introduction can support a broad elemental profile, which is useful when the analyst does not know in advance which elements will matter or when the sample volume is limited. The benefit is most apparent in screening and exploratory work, where a wide list is more valuable than repeatedly returning to the same vial.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The report gives a qualitative comparison, not a controlled performance table against a conventional instrument. It does not establish that simultaneous detection is always faster, more sensitive or less expensive. Matrix effects, preparation, calibration quality and the need to confirm individual results still govern whether the output is fit for a particular decision.

Sequential and simultaneous ICP-MS in context

Comparison point Sequential ICP-MS as described in the report 71-element calibration approach
Elements measured per sample Elements are identified one after another. Up to 71 inorganic elements can be quantified from one sample at once.
Instrument time More requested elements require additional sequential measurements. The report gives analysis times from seconds to several minutes for the tested samples.
Sample use Additional element checks consume more sample. One sample introduction supplies the simultaneous multi-element measurement described.
Evidence base Presented as the conventional comparison in the 2018 report. Demonstrated on 15 liquid samples in the reported study.
Performance detail available in the report Qualitative description only. No quantitative head-to-head accuracy or detection-limit table is provided in the accessible summary.

This table should be read as a description of the reported workflow distinction, not as a universal specification for all sequential or simultaneous ICP-MS instruments.

What liquids were tested

The team led by Timothy Bromage of New York University College of Dentistry tested 15 samples. Chemistry World identifies several categories: different waters from around the world, beer, wine, milk, saliva and blood. This mix matters because liquids differ substantially in dissolved salts, organic material and other constituents that can influence ion formation and measurement.

Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter | 85W Max PD, 2 USB 3.0 & 1 USBC Data Ports, SD/TF Card Reader, for Laptops/Mac and Other Type C Devices (Charger Not Included)
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Demonstrating the calibration across water, beverages and biological fluids is broader than testing a single laboratory standard. It still remains a finite demonstration. The report does not say that every water type, alcoholic drink, dairy product or clinical specimen will produce the same speed or quality of result.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For an analyst, the sensible interpretation is matrix-specific validation. A method that works on a water sample may require different preparation, dilution or calibration checks for milk or blood. The 15-sample demonstration shows reach across several classes of liquid; it does not remove the need to verify recovery, interferences and precision for a new sample type.

How long did the analysis take?

The reported analysis time ranged from seconds to several minutes. Chemistry World presents that range as a result of the demonstration, not as a guaranteed turnaround time for every sample. A clean, relatively simple liquid and a complex biological matrix should not be assumed to behave identically.

“Analysis time” also needs careful interpretation. The summary does not specify a universal clock that includes every stage of collection, digestion, dilution, filtration, calibration and quality control. The seconds-to-minutes figure describes the reported measurement performance, while a real laboratory workflow may include substantial preparation before the instrument reads the sample.

Compared with a sequential list of many elements, simultaneous acquisition can reduce the time spent repeating instrument measurements. Whether that reduction survives in routine work depends on how many elements are required, how often calibration must be checked and whether any results need a separate confirmatory run.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray | Data transfer & Fast charging for MacBook, iPhone 17/16/15, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Apple Watch
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

What the method does—and does not—establish

Established by the 2018 demonstration

  • A calibration approach for ICP-MS was reported for measuring up to 71 inorganic elements in one liquid sample.
  • The setup focused and distributed ions of different masses along a flat plane to support simultaneous detection.
  • Fifteen samples were tested, including waters, beer, wine, milk, saliva and blood.
  • The reported elemental range extended from lithium to uranium.
  • The report gave measurement times from seconds to several minutes.
  • The comparison with conventional ICP-MS concerned sequential measurement, instrument time and sample consumption.

Questions the report leaves open

  • It does not provide a complete quantitative accuracy, precision or detection-limit comparison with sequential ICP-MS.
  • It does not establish that all 71 elements are equally measurable in every matrix.
  • It does not show that the method is routinely available on current commercial instruments.
  • It does not, by itself, prove adoption by clinical, environmental, food or industrial laboratories.
  • It does not establish whether later methods have validated, modified or superseded the approach.

How a laboratory would interpret a result

Start with the analytical question

A broad elemental screen is useful only when the laboratory defines what decisions the result will support. Environmental monitoring may prioritize trace contaminants; food work may focus on nutritional or toxic elements; biological samples may require a different list and stricter controls. The 71-element ceiling should not substitute for a justified target list.

Match calibration to the matrix

Calibration standards must represent the concentration range and measurement conditions expected for the samples. Matrix differences between a standard solution and a real sample can change signal behavior. The report establishes the multi-element concept, but it does not supply a universal calibration recipe for all waters, beverages or body fluids.

Check unexpected values

A simultaneous result is a screening advantage, not immunity from interference. An unusual concentration, a value near a reporting limit or a result that conflicts with sample history deserves review under the laboratory’s quality system. Confirmation may require a repeat preparation, dilution, an alternate measurement condition or another validated method; which option is appropriate depends on the element and matrix.

Report the scope honestly

A defensible report should identify the elements included, the sample type, the calibration range and the date and version of the method used. It should not describe the result as a universal 71-element capability unless the specific instrument and laboratory have demonstrated that scope.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why the headline can be misleading

The wording “checks for 71 elements” sounds like a routine consumer test or a fixed feature shared by all ICP-MS systems. The underlying result is narrower: a published calibration and instrument configuration demonstrated simultaneous multi-element analysis on 15 liquids. The number is a reported maximum, not a population statistic and not a guarantee about an unknown sample.

Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display | 85W Max PD, 1 Powered USB-C 5Gbps & 2 Powered USB-A 3.0 5Gbps Data Ports, for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell and More (Black)
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

Likewise, “simultaneously” describes how ions were measured in the arrangement. It does not mean every stage of laboratory work happens at the same instant. Sampling, preparation, calibration, quality-control checks and interpretation remain separate tasks.

The method is also not equivalent to proving that all 71 elements are present. It provides a way to measure signals associated with a broad set of inorganic elements; the concentration of any particular element may be below detection, absent, affected by the matrix or outside the validated range.

Publication date and present-day status

The underlying paper was published in 2018, and the accessible account is dated 21 December 2018. That date is important because instrument designs, software and laboratory practices can change. The cited account does not establish subsequent independent validation, routine adoption or a later method that replaced it.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Accordingly, the safest current description is historical and technical: the paper reported a simultaneous ICP-MS calibration capable of handling up to 71 inorganic elements in the tested liquid samples. Anyone considering the approach for present-day work should look for a current instrument specification, a validated application note or newer primary studies for the exact matrix and elements required.

Bottom line for readers

One liquid sample can be evaluated for many elements at once when the ICP-MS system is calibrated and arranged to separate ions of different masses across a flat detection plane. The 2018 Bäuchle et al. study reported up to 71 inorganic elements, lithium through uranium, across 15 samples and measurement times of seconds to several minutes. The result demonstrates a promising way to reduce sequential measurements, instrument time and sample use, but it is not evidence that every liquid or every ICP-MS laboratory routinely delivers a 71-element result.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

analytical chemistryelemental analysisICP-MSliquid analysismass spectrometry

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.