ABSTRACT
The components of an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometer are generally more complex than other atomic spectroscopic techniques, and as a result, more time is required to carry out routine maintenance to ensure that the instrument is performing to the best of its ability. However, routine maintenance is such a critical part of owning an ICP mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) system that it can impact both the performance and the lifetime of the instrument, particularly with cannabis-related samples. The peristaltic pump tubing is probably one of the most neglected areas, so it is absolutely essential that it be a part of routine maintenance schedule. Most of the instruments running today use two turbomolecular pumps to create the operating vacuum for the main mass analyzer/detector chamber and the ion optic region. Under normal circumstances, there is no need for the operator to be concerned about routine maintenance of the mass analyzer or collision/reaction cell.
