The ‘extracted elements in solution’ test evaluates the level of conductivity/pH or the concentration of extracted elements in solution that can be attributed to the glass container. Conductivity/pH meters are used to measure conductivity and pH. In contrast, inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) are used to measure SiO2 concentration. 

The results of this test provide insights into the level or concentration of extracted elements contributed by the glass container’s inner surface. An increase in conductivity/pH or SiO2 concentration indicates that the inner glass surface may be releasing glass-related elements into the solution, which is a sign of breakdown or degradation of the inner surface.