Home » chemical analysis » Element analysis

Elemental analysis laboratory - Suisse TP

Our experienced experts have excellent expertise in the entire field of elemental analysis. In addition to ICP elemental analysis, this also includes the associated digestion techniques (e.g. microwave pressure digestion) as well as the development / validation / transfer of corresponding analysis methods.

We offerthe following services in the field of element analysis

Method development
Product-specific method validation
Method transfer of validated methods
Advice on element analysis and digestion techniques
Content and purity tests according to pharmacopoeia methods (Ph.Eur., USP)
Semi-quantitative overview analyses / screening of trace contaminants for risk analysis
Quantitative content and impurity analyses according to our own methods
Limit tests of element impurities

Quality is our standard

The quality of our laboratory is regularly checked and confirmed by the authorities (Swissmedic, Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS), FDA) as well as by our customers. We therefore offer our services in accordance with the following quality standards: cGMP, FDA, ISO/IEC 17025, handling of controlled substances, ISO 9001.

What is element analysis

In elemental analysis, a material sample is examined for its elemental composition. Elemental analysis can be semi-quantitative (screen analysis, especially of (trace) impurities) or quantitative (determination of the percentage of individual elements). Elemental analysis falls into the field of analytical chemistry. Analytical instruments such as ICP-MS, ICP-OES, flame AAS, XRF etc. are used.

SEMIQUANTITATIVE analysis

In semiquantitative screen analysis, around 60 elements are analyzed as standard in a combination of ICP-MS and ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma spectrometry). However, not only are the elements present determined, but their percentage composition is also determined. This analysis is often used to create a (trace) impurity profile. The analysis data provides a valuable basis for risk analysis, especially for the determination of elemental impurities in pharmaceutical samples (ICH Q3D).

If elements are measured close to their limit value, they can be determined much more precisely with a quantitative analysis.

Quantitative analysis

As with the semi-quantitative analysis, the quantitative element analysis not only determines which elements are present in a given sample. Their percentage composition is also determined at the same time. In contrast, quantitative analysis is optimized for specific elements. This involves making the best possible matrix adjustments to the calibration solution and optimizing the measurement conditions;

The quantitative methods that Suisse TP offers its clients include ICP analysis (ICP-MS / ICP-OES, radial as well as axial), flame AAS, cold vapor AAS (mercury (Hg) analysis), Funken-OES, RFA, C/S analyzer, titration and photometry.

ICP-MS vs. ICP-OES

Our customers often ask whether a sample should be tested using ICP-MS or ICP-OES.

This depends on a number of factors and cannot be answered in general terms. These include, for example, which elements are involved, what concentration is expected and the matrix (i.e. the type of sample; is it an organic sample, salt, water, metal, etc.).

Our experienced experts will be happy to advise you and work with you to find the right method for your samples.

Digestion methods

Before using most of the above analytical methods, solid samples must be available in dissolved form (usually in aqueous solution). Matrix-destroying methods reduce matrix-related interferences during the measurement.
Depending on the matrix of the sample and the elements to be determined, we use various digestion methods.

Dissolve in water and acid
Open outcrops (ashing, fused outcrops, fuming, etc.)
Closed microwave pressure digestion (digestion at high temperature and high pressure)
Extraction