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This week on Bench Boost Mike, Autumn, and Thomas dive deep into validation procedures for ICP-OES and ICP-MS methods. They discuss the importance of planning validation parameters early, understanding sample matrices & analyte levels, and achieving complete dissolution via appropriate digestions. They review the seven key validation parameters of accuracy, precision, detection limits, linearity, selectivity, robustness, and stability. They also outline best quality control practices including analyzing blanks, CCVs, duplicates, spikes, and implementing control charts.

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This week on Bench Boost the team from Inorganic Ventures discusses avoiding precipitation during sample preparation. They review mining sample challenges including high concentrations of Ca, Fe, Al, & silicates, sulfate-rich matrices forming insoluble sulfates, and rare earth elements requiring a more acidic matrix. Thomas explains how hydrolysis leads to insoluble metal hydroxides and reviews prevention strategies. Liv outlines how to use Ksp and how temperature effects compound solubility. Lastly, Autumn covers alternative ligands, such as EDTA, for higher pH stability.

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This week on Bench Boost on team spotlights mining analysis challenges on ICP-MS due to high total dissolved solids, aggressive digestions, and low-ppb targets requiring interference control. They review ICP-MS interference types, giving examples such as ArO on Fe, and ArCl on As. The team explains how collision cell (helium KED) is used to reduce polyatomics and how reaction cell gases are used for mass-shifting analytes or interferences. Finally, they discuss triple-quad ICP-MS principles for stronger mitigation and share method-planning tips: isotope tables, chloride/oxide checks, survey scans, dilution/argon dilution for TDS, matrix matching (including HCl), calibration choices, and internal standards.

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This week on Bench Boost our team reviews special considerations for measuring lithium by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. They discuss common lithium sample types and preparation guidance. Autumn emphasizes the impact of high total dissolved solids (TDS) and easily ionizable elements (EIEs) causing plasma ionization-balance shifts and signal suppression for some sample types. Additional tips include selecting appropriate internal standards, choosing suitable emission lines, and avoiding error propagation during large dilutions.

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In this episode of Bench Boost our team revisits method detection limits (MDLs) with a focus on why mining applications often produce higher MDLs than expected. Autumn contrasts instrument detection limits with method detection limits, which reflect real sample matrices, interferences, and method variability. Liv explains mining-specific drivers of elevated MDLs, including aggressive sample preparation and impacts from dilution and high total dissolved solids. Mike closes the episode this week by discussing practical ways to improve MDLs.

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In this episode of Bench Boost, Mike, Autumn, and Thomas discuss the differences between axial and radial views when using ICP-OES instruments. The focus is on how each view will impact precision, sensitivity, detection limits, and more. Our team compares which view is more prone to background interferences and which better handles complex samples with high concentrations of total dissolved solids. The episode also covers the challenges of analyzing mining samples including common matrix effects and spectral interferences, and provides guidance on when to use each view for optimal accuracy.

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In this episode of Bench Boost our team focuses the discussion on metal cyanide chemistry. The discussion revolves around how cyanide leaching is used in mining for extracting precious metals like gold and silver. Challenges and considerations for ICP analysis, including matrix matching, are highlighted, along with a brief review of safety protocols for handling cyanide. The episode details Inorganic Ventures' expertise in manufacturing customized and stable standards to ensure accurate elemental analysis for these challenging cyanide matrices.

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In this episode of Bench Boost, our team reviews the challenges and solutions related to measuring Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) using ICP Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). We discuss issues like signal stabilization, sample preparation, and washout problems. They provide practical tips such as the importance of proper sample preparation, ensuring the correct use and aging of Aqua Regia, managing signal stabilization through appropriate tubing and rinse solutions, and effective strategies for washing out platinum group metals. The episode highlights how these metals, due to their unique properties, often require specialized techniques for accurate analysis.