What is ICP-MS?
ICP-MS, short for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, is a laboratory method that detects and measures trace metals in a sample down to very small amounts. It turns the sample into a fine plasma and then weighs the resulting ions to identify each metal present.
It is a safety focused test, aimed at contaminants rather than active ingredients. This sets it apart from HPLC, which measures organic compounds, while ICP-MS is the tool of choice for heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. Its results form part of a certificate of analysis and support any claim that a product is third-party tested.
It matters to anyone concerned about the purity of supplements grown in soil or sourced from the sea, where metals can accumulate. The catch is that ICP-MS checks for contaminants but says nothing about whether the active ingredient is present or correctly dosed. A clean metals result is reassuring, yet it is only one part of a full quality picture.
To see the contaminant checks we run, our testing page sets out our approach.
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from HPLC?
ICP-MS measures trace metals and contaminants, whereas HPLC measures organic compounds such as active ingredients. They are complementary tests that answer different safety and potency questions.
Who uses it, or when is it the right choice?
Testing labs and responsible manufacturers use ICP-MS to screen for heavy metals. It is the right choice whenever contamination from soil, water or processing is a concern.
When is it the WRONG choice?
ICP-MS is the wrong test for confirming how much active ingredient a product contains, which needs a method like HPLC. It also cannot detect microbial or organic contaminants.