Thermo Fisher Scientific introduces new ICP-MS system, iCAP Q

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today launched its new Thermo Scientific iCAP Q, an ICP-MS system that features world-class performance and increased throughput to help laboratories cut analysis times by up to 50 percent when compared to the XSERIES 2 ICP-MS, the model it replaces. The iCAP Q also features a new interface and advanced technology that enables one-click setup and easier routine maintenance. Thermo Fisher will showcase the new iCAP Q in Thermo Scientific booth 2665 during Pittcon 2012, being held from March 11-15, in Orlando.

“Our applications, such as speciation of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents, are highly demanding, so we require robust and sensitive instruments that enable us to push the boundaries of our work”

"Our applications, such as speciation of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents, are highly demanding, so we require robust and sensitive instruments that enable us to push the boundaries of our work," said Dr. Uwe Karst, chair of analytical chemistry, University of Muenster Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry. "We have our iCAP Qs running 24/7, often working with high organic content during HPLC hyphenation. Furthermore, it is so well designed that even changing plasma conditions during gradient elution can be easily tolerated by the instrument, improving detection limits and saving time."

The unique ion-focusing system in the iCAP Q delivers best-in-class signal-to-noise performance, and the proprietary QCell with flatapole technology for low mass cut-off offers unparalleled interference removal for complete confidence in results. New Qtegra software fully automates the system for one-click setup, which enables users to go from standby to performance-qualified analysis with the push of a button.

To ensure nearly continuous uptime, Thermo Fisher designed the iCAP Q to be easy to service. Access to the skimmer and sampler cones, the extraction lenses (without breaking the vacuum) and the torch assembly make routine maintenance fast and easy. According to Dr. Karst, "the ease of maintenance is one of the many things that make this ICP-MS a workhorse in our group."

The iCAP Q is ideal for environmental, metals, clinical research, food safety, semiconductor and geochemical laboratories conducting both routine and complex elemental analyses. Regulatory compliance templates make it easier to comply with legislated methodologies from U.S. Pharmacopoeia, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory bodies.

"This system presents a significant advancement in quadrupole ICP-MS instrumentation by offering class-leading sensitivity, increased productivity and simplified operation in a single instrument," said Ernst Schroeder, vice president for inorganic mass spectrometry at Thermo Fisher. "All these capabilities are present in a technologically superior instrument that has the smallest footprint in the industry."