Abstract Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) offers unique features for the detection of particles, as well as for their quantification and size characterization. The detection capabilities of SP-ICP-MS are therefore not only limited to the concentration domains (of particles and dissolved related species), but also to the mass of element per particle and particle size domains. Discrimination and detection of particle events, based on the use of robust limits of decision (also known as critical values), and the estimation of the limits of detection in the different domains, require standardized metrological approaches that have not been clearly established yet. As a consequence, harmonized approaches and expressions to allow reliable comparisons between methods and instruments, as well as to process SP-ICP-MS data, are required. This paper is an attempt to summarize and review the different approaches applied up to now in relation to the detectability in SP-ICP-MS, and highlight the peculiarities of this topic in SP-ICP-MS. A holistic approach with criteria and expressions for the estimation of the different critical values and limits of detection in terms of the different instrumental and experimental parameters involved is proposed. Additionally, a calculation tool for estimating and predicting critical values and limits of detection under different experimental conditions is also included.

中文翻译：

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关于单粒子电感耦合等离子体质谱的检出率和检出限

摘要 单粒子电感耦合等离子体质谱 (SP-ICP-MS) 为粒子检测及其定量和尺寸表征提供了独特的功能。因此，SP-ICP-MS 的检测能力不仅限于浓度域（颗粒和溶解的相关物质），而且还限于每个颗粒的元素质量和粒径域。粒子事件的鉴别和检测，基于使用稳健的决策限（也称为临界值），以及不同领域中检测限的估计，需要尚未明确建立的标准化计量方法。因此，统一的方法和表达方式可以在方法和工具之间进行可靠的比较，以及处理 SP-ICP-MS 数据是必需的。本文试图总结和回顾迄今为止与 SP-ICP-MS 检测性相关的不同方法，并强调该主题在 SP-ICP-MS 中的特点。提出了一种具有标准和表达式的整体方法，用于根据所涉及的不同仪器和实验参数估计不同的临界值和检测限。此外，还包括用于估计和预测不同实验条件下的临界值和检测限的计算工具。提出了一种具有标准和表达式的整体方法，用于根据所涉及的不同仪器和实验参数估计不同的临界值和检测限。此外，还包括用于估计和预测不同实验条件下的临界值和检测限的计算工具。提出了一种具有标准和表达式的整体方法，用于根据所涉及的不同仪器和实验参数估计不同的临界值和检测限。此外，还包括用于估计和预测不同实验条件下的临界值和检测限的计算工具。