DCP incurs several key disadvantages in comparison to ICP. In addition to the lower sensitivity, spectra generated by DCP generally present fewer spectral lines. DCP samples are often incompletely volatilized due to the relatively short amount of time spent in the hottest region of the plasma.  Furthermore, DCP requires more regular upkeep than ICP, because the graphite electrodes wear out after a few hours and must be exchanged
However, DCP is not without a few advantages over ICP.  The amount of argon needed for DCP is much less than that needed for ICP.  Also, DCP can analyze samples that have a higher percentage of solid in solution than can be handled by ICP.