Types of Blanks

Question 1

Establishes the baseline of an instrument in the absence of sample

Answer 1

System or instrument blank

Question 2

To measure the amount of the analytical signal that arises from the solvents and reagents; the zero solution in the calibration series

Answer 2

Solvent or calibration blank

Question 3

To detect contamination from reagents, sample handling, and the entire measurement process

Answer 3

Method blank

Question 4

To detect contamination from field handling, transportation, or storage

Answer 4

Matched- matrix blank

Question 5

To detect contamination in the sampling media such as filters and sample adsorbent traps

Answer 5

Sampling media

Question 6

To determine contamination of equipment and assess the efficiency or equipment cleanup procedures

Answer 6

Equipment blank