This document specifies the principles of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and provides general requirements for the use of this technique to determine elements in water, digests of sludges and sediments (e.g. digests of water as described in ISO 15587-1 or ISO 15587-2). Generally, the measurement is carried out in water, but gases, vapours or fine particulate matter can be introduced too. This document applies to the use of ICP-MS for aqueous solution analysis. The ultimate determination of the elements is described in a separate International Standard for each series of elements and matrix. The individual clauses of this document refer the user to these guidelines for the basic principles of the method and the configuration of the instrument.