Windows 2000-based multi-tasking software offers full control of ICP-MS and associated accessories including laser ablation and simple template operation
Thermo Elemental has released PlasmaLab v2.1, a dedicated software package for X series ICP-MS users.
This new version has been written after extensive consultation with users to ensure that the product delivers the ease-of-use and flexibility that customers require, without any compromise in functionality.
The suite comprises Windows 2000-based multi-tasking software, offering full control of the X series ICP-MS and all associated accessories including laser ablation, simple template operation, including 200.8, 6020 and NS30, to enable protocol compliance, unique mixed acquisition modes, intelligent QA/QC procedures and advanced real-time display.
The fully automated real-time display provides direct feedback of key parameters during system optimisation and subsequent sample analysis.
Optimisation of the X series is a rapid, simple process, using intelligent autotune routines.
Advanced optimisation can be accessed by simple tabbed set-up pages.
The unique mixed acquisition mode allows an entire elemental fingerprint of the sample to be taken simultaneously for semiquantitative reporting purposes during a quantitative analysis run.
Variable resolution settings and element specific optimised parameters, provide the ultimate in data-acquisition flexibility.
Integrated QA/QC software included as standard provides a comprehensive range of user configurable QC checks to ensure automated, seamless data validation, eg CCV - continuous calibration verification, CCB - continuous calibration blank, QCS - quality control standard, MXS - matrix spike etc.
Acceptable sample concentration levels are defined and the course of action to be taken if a sample falls outside the predefined limits are specified; this could include abort, re-run, check QC standards or re-standardise.
For large sample batches, external drift correction can be applied automatically to correct for any signal drift.
Intelligent monitoring of sample uptake and washout ensures that signal stability is achieved before measurement begins.
Colour coding within the sample list gives a rapid overview of which samples passed, failed or gave borderline results.
Calculation and reporting of results is flexible, with a choice of curve fitting options.
For elemental analysis of non-natural abundance samples, PlasmaLab v2.1 can ignore natural abundance values used in generating response curves for semi-quant analyses, thereby providing a useful analysis tool for the nuclear industry in particular.
These different methods of calibration and interpretation can all be included in a single report.
All experiments are stored in standard relational database format, for easy integration into existing, sophisticated LIMS systems without the need for user intervention.
