Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a technique that uses inductively coupled plasma to ionize elemental samples and mass spectrometry to separate and detect ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios. The sample is introduced into the ICP torch where the plasma ionizes the atoms. The ions are then sent to the mass spectrometer which separates the ions based on their mass and detects them. ICP-MS allows for precise and sensitive detection of trace metals and some non-metals in environmental, biological and other samples.