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In this special episode, Mike is joined by Technical Support Chemist Ashley Jones, R&D Chemist Autumn Phillips, and Production Manager Thomas Kozikowski to recap Inorganic Ventures’ 10th Annual ICP Conference. Held at IV’s headquarters in October, the event brought together scientists, partners, and guests for three days of presentations, hands-on labs, and collaboration. The team reflects on standout sessions covering topics like microwave digestion, ICP instrument maintenance, calibration curves, internal standards, and trace metals analysis, as well as the hands-on demos and lab tours that made this year’s conference unforgettable.

Whether you attended in person or are tuning in from afar, this recap captures the highlights, insights, and energy from a decade of IV’s ICP Conference.

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In this episode, Mike is joined by Support Chemist Ashley Jones and Stock Production Manager Thomas Kozikowski to tackle listener-submitted questions from the lab. First, they unpack whether a standard additions curve from one sample can be applied to others—exploring when it’s valid, what risks come with instrument drift, and why true matrix matching matters. Then, they take on a tough scenario: how to handle high-throughput analysis of true unknown mineral samples using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. From digestion techniques and fusion methods to internal standard selection, interference management, and data review strategies, the team offers practical solutions for demanding analytical workflows.

If you’ve ever faced the challenge of balancing accuracy with efficiency in the lab, this episode is a must-listen.

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In this episode, we tackle real-world technical support questions submitted by listeners. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Phillips and Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones, we explore three unique challenges:

• Stabilizing nitrite (NO₂) standards for ion chromatography and why pH control is the key to preventing unwanted oxidation.
• Calculating tolerance intervals, including how to use statistical tools to set confident, population-based limits in your data.
• Troubleshooting tungsten recovery in high-molybdenum matrices on ICP-OES, covering the role of internal standards, acid chemistry, and smarter wavelength selection.

From practical lab prep tips to advanced troubleshooting insights, this episode is packed with knowledge you can put into action right away.

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In this episode of our Back to Basics series, we explore the critical role of tuning solutions, check solutions, and calibration standards in ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Phillips and Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones, we break down why proper calibration and routine checks are essential to maintaining instrument performance and ensuring accurate, reliable data. From wavelength and mass calibration to tuning for sensitivity and minimizing interferences, to building stable, well-matched calibration standards—this conversation covers the practices that keep your results trustworthy.

Whether you’re fine-tuning methods or setting up your lab for long-term success, this episode delivers the knowledge you need to keep your instruments performing at their best.

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In this episode, part of our Back to Basics series, we dive into three of the most widely used elemental analysis techniques: Atomic Absorption (AA), ICP-OES, and ICP-MS. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Phillips and Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones, we break down how each method works, where they excel, and the challenges that come with them. From AA’s simplicity and cost-effectiveness, to the multi-element strength of ICP-OES, to the ultra-trace detection power of ICP-MS, we cover the pros, cons, and practical considerations for each technique.

Whether you’re deciding which instrument is right for your lab, or just want to sharpen your understanding of elemental analysis, this episode is packed with insights to help guide your decision-making.

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This week we’re celebrating a huge milestone—our 100th episode! To mark the occasion, we’re kicking off a brand-new Back to Basics series with a focus on pipetting—the foundation of accurate lab work. Joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes & Autumn Phillips and Tech Support Chemist Ashley Jones, we break down common pipetting errors, compare manual vs. electronic pipettors, and share essential tips for mastering technique. From pre-wetting tips to proper immersion depth, pipette angle, and the importance of blow-out, we cover the small details that make a big difference in precision.

Whether you’re a seasoned lab pro or just starting out, this special milestone episode will help sharpen your skills and improve the reliability of your results.

If you have any questions, then please contact us at ivignite@inorganicventures.com

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In this episode of Bench Boost, host Mike Booth is joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Madeline Gozzi to answer technical support questions straight from graduate students in the lab. From tackling the stubborn insolubility of silver chloride to mastering rapid zeolite digestion with the UniSolv method, the team breaks down the chemistry and offers practical, lab-ready solutions.

Key topics include:

• Why silver chloride resists dissolution — and how excess chloride shifts the equilibrium
• Practical digestion strategies for stabilizing silver in solution
• An overview of the UniSolv method for fast, five-minute zeolite digestion
• Best practices for preparing blanks and standards in matrix-matched conditions

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In this episode of Bench Boost, host Mike Booth is joined by R&D Chemists Liv Forbes and Madeline Gozzi to unpack two common technical support questions. From concerns about the radioactivity of uranium and thorium standards to troubleshooting unstable tin recoveries in food analysis, the team shares practical solutions and clear explanations you can bring back to your lab.

Key topics include:

• Radioactivity levels of uranium and thorium standards — why they’re safe to handle
• How bottle size and concentration impact measured activity
• Why tin shows instability in certain food matrices
• Practical digestion and stabilization strategies to improve Sn results