RML has been offering semi-quantitative elemental scans – or E-scans – for over 15 years. But what exactly is an E-Scan, and why is it such a useful analytical tool for many of our clients?
What can an E-Scan tell you?
This analysis can give you a quick snapshot of nearly all elements present in your sample, as well as the approximate amount. Our E-Scan capabilities allow us to analyze a sample in minutes, providing semi-quantitative data that is typically within +/- 30% of the quantitative values on up to 71 elements.
Our E-Scan analysis can give scientists useful information at all stages of product development, from the initial stages to the final formulations. Here are just a few ways our semi-quantitative elemental scan can be utilized for your project:
• Confirm removal of catalysts after compound synthesis
• Identify and trace sources of contamination in your project pipeline
• Detect presence of heavy metals
• Identify potential interferences
How does an E-Scan work?
Our ICP-MS instrument is calibrated using a single solution with several elements of known concentration. The instrument’s detector gathers information on each mass, and compares the measured spectrum of your sample to the standard solution and known elemental data.
We present our clients with a unique, customized, and easy-to-read report that identifies any detectable elements. RML can provide semi-quantitative data from ppm to ppt levels, depending on our clients’ needs. In most cases, less than 50mg of sample is needed to perform this analysis.
After 15 years, E-Scans remain one of our most popular analysis requests, and it’s easy to see why: no other service provides our clients with such a comprehensive and cost-effective report.
Want to know more? Contact us with any questions on E-Scans, or click here for our Analysis Request form.