Analytical Techniques Using ICP-MS for Clinical and Biological Analysis

This article reviews recent analytical techniques using inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) immunoassay for clinical and bio analysis. We classified the techniques into two categories, direct and indirect analysis, which depend upon a guideline of whether tagging materials are used or not. Direct analysis is well known, and generally used in conjunction with various other techniques, such as laser ablation, chromatographic separations, etc. Recently, indirect analysis using tagging elements has intensively been discussed because of its importance in future applications to bio and clinical analysis, including environmental and food industries. The method has shown advantages of multiplex detection, excellent sensitivity, and short analysis time owing to signal amplification and magnetic separation. Now, it expands the application field from small biomolecules to large cells.