1. Request instrument runtime at least 10 days in advance. Access to the instrument within a shorter timeframe is made by exception only.
2. Submit a completed Sample Submittal Form. New users should complete New User Registration before submitting a sample.

Sample preparation prior to instrument run*

3. Have your samples prepared 1 day prior to the scheduled run.
   1. Samples must be acidified with nitric acid to 1-2% nitric acid and filtered to <0.7um.
      1. Use trace metal grade nitric acid if analyzing for trace metals.
   2. Samples must be in 15mL centrifuge tubes containing 5-15mL of sample.
4. Make sure to arrive in the lab at the scheduled runtime to load your samples into the autosampler.

*If you need assistance with steps 3-4, you may request additional time with the lab manager.

Diagnostics during the run

Unless you are an experienced user with the instrument, the lab manager will complete these steps (typically takes ~15-30 minutes depending on the number of analytes)

5. Verify the calibration curves are successful by comparing observed ppm values to the actual concentrations listed in the ICP-MS Data Analysis software.
   1. Select alternate internal standards as needed for each analyte.

Post run

6. Save your data and remove your samples.
   1. Copy the data and paste into excel.
   2. Save the excel data to your flash drive.
   3. Remove your samples from the autosampler.

1. Request instrument runtime at least 10 days in advance. Access to the instrument within a shorter timeframe is made by exception only.
2. Submit a completed Sample Submittal Form. New users should complete New User Registration before submitting a sample.

Sample preparation prior to instrument run*

3. Have your samples prepared 1 day prior to the scheduled run.
   1. Triple rinse 0.5mL IC sample vials and caps with milli-q water.
   2. Clearly label sample vials.
   3. Pour sample into sample vials and add vial caps.
   4. Tap the side of each vial to dislodge any air bubbles in the sample vial.
      1. Air bubbles injected into the IC can result in poor data for your run and the run of others.
   5. Use the sample loading tool to press vial caps into sample vials until flush with the top of the vials.
   6. Place sample vials in a portable vial rack in the sequence they will be analyzed in.
   7. Refrigerate sample vials until analysis.
4. Make sure to arrive in the lab at the scheduled runtime to load your samples into the autosampler.

*If you need assistance with steps 3-4, you may request additional time with the lab manager.

Diagnostics during the run

Unless you are an experienced user with the instrument, the lab manager will complete these steps (typically takes ~15 minutes)

5. During the run, verify the calibration curves are successful by comparing observed ppm values to the actual concentrations listed on the wall.
   1. Double-click a chromatogram from your run to open the Chromelion Chromotography Studio software (if not already open).
   2. Click the Report Designer tab on the left.
   3. Click the Summary tab on the bottom.
   4. Scroll to “Summary Amount PPM” to view observed values.
   5. Click the Calibration tab to view R-Square and graphs for calibration curves.

Post run

6. Verify sample peaks were identified and export your data to excel.
   1. Double-click a chromatogram from your run to open the Chromelion Chromotography Studio software (if not already open).
   2. Click the Report Designer tab on the left.
   3. Click the Summary tab on the bottom.
   4. Scroll to “Summary Amount PPM” to view observed values.
   5. Copy (Ctrl+C) summary data and paste into Excel (Ctrl+V).
   6. Save excel data to a flash drive.

7. Remove sample and standard vials from the autosampler
   1. Open the autosampler lid and press the “CAROUSEL RELEASE” button to disengage the plunger from the last vial (It takes up to 30 seconds for the plunger to fully disengage).
   2. Once the “CAROUSEL” light is off, remove sample vials and close the autosampler lid.