As a device in the field of elemental analysis, the standardized operating procedures of Thermo Fisher Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) directly affect the accuracy of detection data and the lifespan of the instrument.This article is based on the latest operating guidelines and systematically explains the standardized operating procedures of the instrument.

　　1、 Preparation before operation

The environment and gas source inspection must meet strict standards: the laboratory should be kept free of vibration and strong electromagnetic interference, with temperature controlled between 15-25 ℃ and relative humidity ≤ 60%. Before starting up, confirm that the pressure of high-purity argon gas (≥ 99.99%) is stable at 6-8 bar, that there is sufficient reserve of collision reaction pool gas (helium/hydrogen), and that the temperature of circulating cooling water is maintained at 15-25 ℃. The pre-treatment requirements for samples are more critical: liquid samples need to be filtered through a 0.45 μ m filter membrane to remove particulate matter, and solid samples need to be converted into clear solutions through acid digestion. An internal standard solution (recommended concentration 10-100 μ g/L) that matches the sample matrix is prepared for signal correction.

　　2、 Instrument start-up and calibration

The system startup follows a specific sequence: turn on the cooling circulating water system → start the host power → open the argon valve → execute the 'ignition' program in Qtegra software, and wait for the plasma to burn stably for 3-5 minutes. Quality calibration uses standard solutions containing Li7, Y89, and Tl205 to calibrate the quality axis, while sensitivity calibration optimizes plasma parameters through tuning solution to achieve a CeO+/Ce+ratio of<3% and a double charged ion CeO 2+/Ce+ratio of<2%.

　　3、 Sample analysis and data quality control

The method setting needs to select the mode based on the characteristics of the detection element: for routine analysis, no gas mode is used, and for complex matrices, collision mode (helium flow rate of 4-6 mL/min) or reaction mode (hydrogen flow rate of 3-5 mL/min) is selected. During sample analysis, control the peristaltic pump speed to 0.1-1.0 rps, and insert cleaning solution (2% nitric acid) for 30 seconds between each sample analysis interval. Data quality control requires inserting standard curve points into every 10 samples, with a recovery rate controlled within the range of 90-110%, and continuous monitoring of internal standard signal fluctuations (RSD<5%).

　　4、 Shutdown and maintenance

1. After the analysis is completed, execute the standard shutdown: rinse the system with deionized water for 15 minutes → turn off the plasma → turn off the argon gas after the temperature drops to room temperature → turn off the software and host power in sequence.

2. Daily maintenance includes: cleaning the atomizer with 5% nitric acid daily, checking the sampling cone/cutting cone weekly (if worn over 0.1mm, it needs to be replaced), cleaning the ion lens system monthly, and replacing the mechanical pump oil quarterly.

By strictly implementing the standardized operating procedures mentioned above, Thermo Fisher inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer can achieve ppt level trace element detection, providing accurate and reliable data support for environmental monitoring, food safety, biomedicine and other fields. Regular participation in EQA proficiency testing and calibration using NIST standard reference materials will further ensure the international comparability of test results.