BLANK CORRECTIONS
- The “calibration blank” is a blank used to ensure that the measurement device gives a zero signal when there is no sample present. This can be an electronic adjustment of the signal intensity in the absence of sample.
- The “reagent blank” is a solution that contains all the same components (matrix) as the sample solution, but no known analyte materials. The reagent blank identifies the amount of the signal that is due to the reagents used in the preparation of the samples.
• There is more than one type of blank that can be involved in chemical measurements.
Reagents:
A reagent is any substance or mixture of substances used to perform a laboratory test Reagents may be liquid preparations or in solid form, such as test strips or other devices (e.g., glucose test strips for diabetics or devices for home pregnancy tests).
1) Reagents labeling:
Be sure to check chemical containers regularly and replace any labels that are deteriorating or falling off and/or relabel with another label before the chemical becomes an unknown.
2) Storage of chemicals
Chemicals should be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended temperature and humidity level. stored Chemicals should not be stored near heat sources, such as steam pipes or laboratory ovens. Chemicals should never be stored in direct sunlight. Chemicals should be dated when received and when opened.
STANDARD SOLUTIONSA single standard solution is typically insufficient for accurate calibration of the signal (Stotal) - particularly if the relationship between signal and analyte is not linear.Two methods exist for creating a range of standards with different concentrations:
- Individual preparation: weight standard for each solution to be prepared.
- Serial dilution: A high concentration standard solution is prepared and a portion is taken to make a lower concentration standard. This process is repeated for each successive solution creating a range of solutions from one weighing of standard.
TYPES OF STANDARDS
• Primary Standards: must have a known stoichiometry, a known purity, must be stable for long term storage.
• Secondary Standards: have their concentrations determined relative to a primary standard.
• It is crucial to know the amount of all other solution components when preparing standards (e.g. solvents, acids...)
Calibration
The primary significance of calibration is that it maintains accuracy, standardization and repeatability in measurements, assuring reliable benchmarks and results.
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