I want to measure metal levels in individual mouse CSF samples. If some samples are only 7-10ul, are they still usable? Or do the samples need to be pooled?
Also, any protocol for preparation of the sample for ICP-MS would be helpful!
Hello. All depends from the amount of elements in your sample. ICP MS can detect the elements in ppb and some in ppt level. Your sample enough or not depends from elements content.
Best way for sample preparation for ICP MS is microwave digestion with nitric acid.
Hello. All depends from the amount of elements in your sample. ICP MS can detect the elements in ppb and some in ppt level. Your sample enough or not depends from elements content.
Best way for sample preparation for ICP MS is microwave digestion with nitric acid.
Like Karen A. Darbinyan said: it depends on the LoQs you need, and the best way to prepare the sample is HNO3 in the microwave.
Just a thought in addition to what Karen A. Darbinyan and Mario said:
A conventional (say 1 ml/min uptake) nebulizer system may not be sufficient if you need to determine "ubiquitous" elements as Cu, Zn or similar. The minimum sample volume would be greater than 2 mL in a good case. There are however low-flow units that can operate at near 50 microL/min, so extensive dilution may not be required