ABSTRACT
Collecting and preparing a sample for analysis is extremely important in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), particularly with regard to possible contamination issues. In order to ensure that the data reported is an accurate reflection of the sample in its natural state, the analyst must be aware of not only all the potential sources of contamination, but also the many reasons why analyte loss is a problem in ICP-MS. There is no question that collecting a solid sample, preparing it, and getting it into solution probably represent the most crucial steps in the overall ICP-MS analytical methodology because of the potential sources of contamination from grinding, sieving, weighing, dissolving, and diluting the sample. The process of grinding a sample with a mortar and pestle or ball mill and passing it through a metallic sieve can be a major cause of contamination.
