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ISO 17025 Accredited

Heavy Metals Testing for Supplements, Food & Cosmetics

Ensure safety, compliance, and consumer trust with expert heavy metals analysis.

ICP-MS heavy metal testing at Qalitex Laboratories

Heavy metal testing is the process of quantifying arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury levels in consumer products using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) instrumentation to ensure compliance with USP <2232>, California Prop 65, and FDA safety guidelines.

Our state-of-the-art laboratory specializes in accurate, regulatory-compliant heavy metals testing for dietary supplements, food products, and cosmetic formulations. Our advanced ICP-MS methodologies, experienced chemists, and FDA-audited protocols ensure your products meet the highest safety and quality standards.

Why Heavy Metals Testing Is Critical

Heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury are toxic even at low concentrations. They can contaminate ingredients through soil, water, processing equipment, and packaging. Regulatory bodies require strict compliance with heavy metal limits to prevent neurotoxicity, kidney damage, developmental delays, and carcinogenicity.

Metals We Test For

We test for all commonly regulated metals: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As — total and inorganic), Mercury (Hg — total and methylmercury), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Tin (Sn), Cobalt (Co), Antimony (Sb), Thallium (Tl), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn). Custom panels and additional trace metal screening available on request.

ICP-MS Technology

Our laboratory uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) — the gold standard for multi-element trace detection at parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity. This enables reliable, reproducible results at concentrations far below regulatory limits.

California Prop 65 Compliance

We provide heavy metal testing aligned with California Prop 65 maximum allowable dose levels (MADLs) and No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs). Our reports include all documentation required for Prop 65 compliance and Amazon listing requirements.

Tests & Methods Included

  • Lead (Pb)
  • Cadmium (Cd)
  • Arsenic (As) — total & inorganic
  • Mercury (Hg)
  • Multi-element ICP-MS panel
  • Prop 65 compliance panel

Regulatory Standards & Compliance

  • USP <2232> Elemental Contaminants
  • ICH Q3D
  • California Prop 65
  • FDA 21 CFR guidelines
  • EU Regulation 1881/2006

Industries We Serve

  • Dietary supplements
  • Herbal & botanical products
  • Cosmetics & personal care
  • Food & functional foods
  • Amazon FBA sellers
ISO 17025

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📍 Irvine, CA · San Diego, CA
⏱ 48–72 hr turnaround
🌍 Worldwide clients

Frequently Asked Questions

What heavy metals does Qalitex test for?

Qalitex tests for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As — total and inorganic), mercury (Hg), nickel, chromium, tin, cobalt, antimony, thallium, copper, and zinc using ICP-MS instrumentation with parts-per-billion sensitivity.

What is ICP-MS and why is it the gold standard for heavy metal testing?

ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) is the gold standard for multi-element trace metal detection because it can reliably detect metals at parts-per-billion concentrations — far below regulatory limits set by USP, Prop 65, and FDA guidelines.

Does Qalitex offer California Prop 65 heavy metal testing?

Yes, Qalitex provides heavy metal testing aligned with California Prop 65 maximum allowable dose levels (MADLs) and No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs). Testing reports include all documentation required for Prop 65 compliance and Amazon listing requirements.

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