Reducing Errors and Increasing Throughput in ICP-MS and ICP-OES with Automated Dilution

Sample dilution is a routine part of elemental analysis—but it can also become a significant source of manual work, variability, and laboratory bottlenecks. When samples fall outside the calibration range, contain high particulate loads, or require different dilution factors, analysts may need to stop a sequence, prepare new dilutions, and repeat measurements.

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Reducing Errors and Increasing Throughput in ICP-MS and ICP-OES with Automated Dilution

The prepFAST 3 autodilution system is designed to bring dilution directly into the analytical workflow, combining high-throughput sample introduction with automated dilution for ICP-MS and ICP-OES analysis. The system supports both undiluted FAST analysis and diluted sample analysis, allowing laboratories to handle different sample requirements within a single automated workflow.

From manual dilution to an automated workflow

With prepFAST 3, samples can either be introduced undiluted or diluted automatically before analysis. For undiluted samples, the system loads the sample and injects it for analysis using the FAST workflow. When a dilution factor greater than one is required, the sample is loaded into the dilution line, diluted by syringe into the sample line, and then injected for analysis.

Integration with Thermo Scientific Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution Software extends this automation into the analytical method itself. Users can prescribe dilution factors for standards and samples directly in the sample list.

More importantly, dilution can respond to analytical results. If an analyte exceeds method-defined quality-control levels, the sample can be automatically returned to the sample list and reanalyzed at a higher dilution factor until its concentration falls within the specified range.

This turns dilution from a separate sample-preparation step into part of the analytical decision-making process.

Intelligent QC-driven dilution

Automation becomes particularly valuable when unexpected samples enter a sequence. Instead of requiring an analyst to identify an over-range result, prepare another dilution, and restart the analysis, Qtegra and prepFAST 3 can trigger reanalysis based on user-defined criteria.

The workflow can also respond to internal-standard recovery. If internal-standard recovery fails, prepFAST can rerun the sample using a prescribed dilution and continue doing so up to a user-defined maximum. Likewise, when an elemental concentration exceeds the calibration range, the system can trigger reanalysis through the Intelligent Dilution functionality, with the reanalysis limits and target range defined by the user.

The result is an analytical workflow designed to reduce manual intervention while keeping dilution decisions tied to predefined method and QC criteria.

Keeping challenging samples moving

Automation is only useful if the sample introduction system can keep running. High-particulate, unfiltered, and fiber-containing samples can present a particular challenge because particles may clog valves or nebulizers.

The prepFAST 3 FilterProbe addresses this at the autosampler probe. An inline CTFE filter traps larger particles and fibers before they reach downstream components. While the sample is being analyzed, the filter is rapidly backflushed at the waste station using a syringe-driven process, preparing the system for the next sample. As illustrated by the brine pipeline sludge example on page 12, the concept is intended to extend automation even to highly challenging, particulate-rich samples. The presentation notes that this approach can help minimize valve and nebulizer maintenance while maintaining high throughput.

Knowing whether the sample actually loaded

Another potential source of analytical problems is incomplete sample loading. SampleSense3 adds sensor-based monitoring to the workflow. It detects samples, accounts for viscosity by adjusting loading timing, and can detect and log incomplete loading caused by conditions such as a clogged filter, capped vial, or empty vial.

That capability helps shift the workflow from simply automating physical sample movement toward monitoring whether the automated process is functioning as intended.

Designed around uptime and usability

prepFAST 3 also introduces hardware features intended to simplify routine operation and maintenance. Multiposition Magnetic SnapValves can be removed without tools and use a two-valve sampling architecture for FAST and prepFAST operations.

High-purity quartz syringes are used for dilution and sample carrier delivery, with 6 mL and 3 mL syringe configurations respectively. The system also incorporates a hinged, single-screw mounting design intended to simplify syringe maintenance and replacement.

Together with features such as FilterProbe, SampleSense3 and a shortened probe configuration, these elements are designed around a practical laboratory objective: keeping automated analytical sequences running with less intervention.

More analysis, less sample handling

For laboratories processing large numbers of samples by ICP-MS or ICP-OES, improving productivity does not necessarily mean making the measurement itself faster. Significant gains can come from reducing the manual steps surrounding each measurement.

By combining high-throughput sample introduction, prescribed and QC-driven autodilution, automated reanalysis, particulate management, and sample-loading monitoring, prepFAST 3 moves several traditionally manual activities into the analytical sequence itself. The objective is straightforward: rapidly analyze both diluted and undiluted samples while improving the user experience and maintaining a compact laboratory footprint.

For elemental-analysis laboratories looking to reduce repetitive sample preparation and increase unattended operation, automated dilution offers a way to make the workflow—not just the instrument—more efficient.

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank Torben Stichel, Joerg Axthelm and Sebastian Voelker Field Applications Scientist, Germany, Trace Elemental Analysis and for the support on this blog and the webinars

References:

• Watch this webinar on demand in German language: Fehler reduzieren, Durchsatz steigern: Autoverdünnung mit PrepFast am ICP-MS
• Product Spotlight: Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution Software
• Sign up for our webinars live and on demand

English

• Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 1
• Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2
• Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Trace Elemental Analysis (ICP-OES & ICP-MS)
• Trace Elemental Analysis: Ask the Expert

Deutsch

• 19. März 2026
  Interne Standards in der ICP-OES: Ein Praxisguide für zuverlässige Qualitätssicherung im Labor
• 18. Juni 2026
  Fehler reduzieren, Durchsatz steigern: Autoverdünnung mit PrepFast am ICP-MS
• 17. September 2026
  ICP-OES smarter nutzen: Probendurchsatz erhöhen, Ressourcen sparen
• 17. Dezember 2026
  Qtegra ISDS Software Unlocked – Live im Expertengespräch

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