The ion-optic lens configuration can have a substantial influence on mass-dependent matrix effects in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A laboratory-constructed instrument is used to study the influence of Sr, Ba, W, Pb and U (10 mM) on signals from Sc, Zn, Y, Ag and Cs (10-mu-M). Instrumental arrangements which did not utilize second-stage ion lenses were found to eliminate the matrix effects. With additional modifications to the third-stage lens system, the analytical utility of the system is maintained.