Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) operated in the single particle (sp) and singe cell (sc) modes belongs to the methods of elemental analysis that has significantly increased their impact during the last years. Its contribution to the deeper characterisation of nanomaterials and cell populations has opened new avenues and possibilities in many different fields. In this context, pneumatic nebulisation, as sample introduction approach, plays a pivotal role. Reliable quantitative data are only accessible with known transport efficiency of the small objects, so that the determination of this parameter is extremely critical [1]. 

[1] Single cell ICP-MS using on line sample introduction systems: Current developments and remaining challenges. M. Corte-Rodríguez, R. Álvarez-Fernández, P. García-Cancela, M. Montes-Bayón, J. Bettmer. Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 132 (2020) 116042.