Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: a versatile tool for a variety of different tasks.

In a laboratory that is working in many different fields, a systematic approach is needed to decide efficiently how a given analytical task should be handled. Four typical examples are presented to show how ICP-MS may be used to solve client's problems. The examples are: the identification of lead projectiles, the determination of total and leachable fractions of impurities in a polymer (PVDF), used for manufacturing components of ultrapure water distribution systems, the authentication of antique silver alloys, and the determination of rare earth elements in geological materials. These examples demonstrate not only typical challenges for the instruments and the analysts handling them, but also ways to reach a satisfactory solution within a reasonable amount of time.