How initial and continuing calibration verification
support ICP-MS and ICP-OES quality control.
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An Initial Calibration Verification (ICV) checks the initial calibration after it has been established. A Continuing Calibration Verification (CCV) checks that calibration remains acceptable during the analytical sequence. The exact source, concentration, frequency, and acceptance criteria are method-specific.
Calibration verification is not the same as calibration. Calibration establishes the relationship between known analyte concentrations and instrument response; calibration verification evaluates whether that relationship is performing acceptably.
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Consideration |
ICV |
CCV |
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Full name |
Initial Calibration Verification |
Continuing Calibration Verification |
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Primary question |
Did the initial calibration produce acceptable results? |
Has the calibration remained acceptable during the analytical sequence? |
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Typical timing |
After initial calibration and before routine sample reporting |
Periodically during the run and/or at method-defined points |
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Function |
Confirms calibration before the analytical sequence proceeds |
Monitors calibration performance over time |
|
Source requirement |
May require an independent or second source depending on the method or quality program |
Method-specific; do not assume the same source requirement as the ICV |
|
Corrective action |
Follow the applicable method or laboratory procedure if verification fails |
Follow the applicable method or laboratory procedure to determine affected samples and corrective action |
An ICV Standard is a known calibration-verification material analyzed after initial calibration to evaluate whether the calibration is producing acceptable results.
Calibration establishes the concentration-response relationship. The ICV checks that relationship before the laboratory relies on it for sample results.
A CCV Standard is a known calibration-verification material analyzed during an analytical sequence to evaluate whether calibration remains acceptable.
Even when the initial calibration and ICV are acceptable, instrument response can change during a run. Drift, matrix buildup, sample-introduction effects, contamination, memory effects, and other changes can affect measurement performance.
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1 Instrument Setup / Tuning |
2 Calibration |
3 ICV |
4 Samples + QC |
5 CCV Monitoring |
ICV is generally analyzed after calibration has been established. CCV is generally analyzed periodically after sample analysis begins. Exact timing and frequency must follow the applicable method and laboratory quality system.
Not universally. Some methods or quality systems require an independent or second-source verification material, while others define source requirements differently.
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KEY POINT A product labeled as a calibration-verification standard does not automatically satisfy a method-specific independent-source requirement. Verify the source relationship and documentation required by the applicable method. |
ICV and CCV standards may contain similar analytes and concentrations in some workflows, but they answer different analytical questions and should not be treated as interchangeable by name alone.
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ICV asks Is the initial calibration valid before sample analysis proceeds? |
CCV asks Is the calibration still valid as the analytical run continues? |
Start with the method requirement, then define the verification material around the analytical workflow.
|
01 |
Define the Method |
Identify the applicable method and revision, required verification function, frequency, and acceptance criteria. |
|
02 |
Define the Standard |
Confirm the analyte list, required or appropriate concentration, acid matrix, and diluent. |
|
03 |
Verify Documentation |
Determine whether a CRM, RM, other documented material, or independent/second source is required. |
|
04 |
Plan for Failure |
Define the required corrective action before the run begins if the ICV or CCV does not meet acceptance criteria. |
A failed verification result does not automatically identify the root cause. It indicates that the calibration or measurement system no longer satisfies the applicable criterion.
|
Incorrect standard preparation or dilution |
Wrong standard, analyte list, concentration, or matrix |
Contamination in standards, blanks, labware, reagents, or sample-introduction components |
|
Instrument drift or changing sensitivity |
Carryover or memory effects |
Matrix effects or physical interferences |
|
Spectral or polyatomic interference |
Degraded, expired, or improperly stored standards |
Transcription or sequence setup errors |
Corrective action should follow the analytical method, instrument procedure, and laboratory quality system before deciding whether recalibration, reanalysis, maintenance, dilution, or preparation of fresh standards is required.
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Establish the concentration-response relationship. |
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Support initial calibration verification. |
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Support ongoing calibration verification. |
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Support evaluation of potential interference effects. |
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Support instrument setup and performance checks. |
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Can be formulated around specific analytes, concentrations, matrices, and volumes when a catalog formulation does not match the method. |
An ICV is generally analyzed after initial calibration and before routine sample results are reported. Exact timing and acceptance criteria depend on the method and quality system.
A CCV is generally analyzed periodically during the analytical sequence and/or at method-defined points. Frequency is method-specific.
No. A calibration standard establishes calibration. A CCV verifies that calibration remains acceptable.
Follow the applicable method and quality procedure to determine corrective action and which sample results may be affected. Do not report affected results until method requirements have been satisfied.
Only if the method and laboratory quality system allow it and the standard's analytes, concentrations, matrix, documentation, and source requirements are appropriate for both uses.
Use the complete technical guide for deeper discussion of ICV and CCV function, timing, source requirements, selection considerations, failure causes, and ICP calibration-verification workflows.