The ICPMS-2030: Expanding Solutions for Elemental Impurity Analysis in Pharmaceutical Products

Shimadzu, one of the world leaders in analytical instrumentation, has released its ICPMS-2030 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. The new ICPMS-2030 is designed to meet the requirements of the ICH (International Council on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) Q3D guidelines for elemental impurities in pharmaceutical products. The ICH Q3D specifies allowable limits of daily intake of 24 elements of toxicological concern, and requires highly sensitive and high-precision measurement of such elements.

The ICPMS-2030 satisfies these requirements with ppt level high sensitivity. This is achieved by the newly developed collision cell and the optimized internal structure, offering FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, automated analytical method development function, and unique measurement result evaluation function to provide analytical results with exceptionally high reliability.

The US pharmacopoeia indicates limits of elemental impurities (USP<232>) and detection techniques using ICP-MS (USP<233>), which will be in effect in January 2018. In USP <735>, X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry is adopted as general analytical method. For those demands, Shimadzu offers total solution for elemental impurities analysis from screening without sample preparation using the EDX-7000/8000, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometers, to highly sensitive and high-precision analysis using the ICPMS-2030.

“Critical Mass Tour” – The ICPMS-2030 European Launch Tour

Newly released during the Pittcon Expo in March 2016, the ICPMS-2030 will be launched in Europe as of March. During the “Critical Mass Tour” Shimadzu will travel to several countries such as Belgium, Hungary, France, and others. In Germany, the ICPMS-2030 was introduced during the analytica trade fair in Munich, May 10-13.

Features

The ICPMS-2030 combines benefits covering performance features such as sensitivity and reliability, as well as operational, handling and economic aspects.

1. Designed for high sensitivity and easy maintenance

The optimized internal structure including the newly developed collision cell enables analysis at ppt-level sensitivity; depending on the elements even sub-ppt levels can be reached. This outstanding sensitivity is achieved by minimized spectral interference and improved transmission efficiency of atomic ions, so that precise quantitation results in elemental impurity analysis become more reliable. The sample injection unit and interface unit, where ionized atoms go through can be easily removed for maintenance so that stable analysis for longer period can be ensured.

2. Simplified analysis and higher data reliability by assistant functions and LabSolutions software

In ICP-MS analysis, conventionally users needed to be skillful and often spent a long time to find the ions that interfere with spectra, select the optimum mass number of the elements to be measured, and determine the calibration curve sample concentration.

Using the “Development Assistant" function, users can now simply perform qualitative analysis by selecting the elements to be measured. The software then automatically sets the suitable analysis conditions. When performing routine analysis, the “Diagnosis Assistant” automatically checks if there is spectral interference and indicates problems if there are any. Shimadzu’s FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant LabSolutions software provides ensured analytical data management.

3. Reduction of argon gas consumption and lower running cost via the mini-torch and Eco mode

Shimadzu’s unique mini-torch plasma unit significantly reduces the consumption of argon gas. The Eco mode automatically reduces the argon gas flow during standby. In addition, the use with 99.95 % purity argon gas is guaranteed. Therefore, analysis can be performed using the relatively lower cost argon gas, instead of 99.999 % or higher purity argon gas generally used. These features greatly reduce costs in laboratory operations.