Avoiding contamination in heavy metal analysis of food samples

This application note examines the impact of sample preparation on the accuracy of heavy metal analysis in food and feed testing. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS), the study evaluates how abrasion from milling tools can introduce contaminants such as chromium, nickel, and iron, influencing analytical results. The findings demonstrate that both the choice of tool material and grinding parameters significantly affect contamination levels, particularly for abrasive samples. Discover how laboratories can improve reproducibility, ensure representative sampling, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards for trace element analysis, by optimizing milling conditions and selecting low‑contamination materials.