Basic Training 4th Annual ICP Conference

2:8 Planning the project

Constructing the Plan (cont.)

• The identity of the analyte(s), together with the detection limit requirement(s), indicates the degree that contamination issues should be considered. This determines the need for

analytical blanks and special apparatus or a clean area / room. • The sample composition indicates potential interference issues.

• The sample composition or type indicates the uncertainty to be expected form the sample collection and/or the need to develop a sampling procedure and to determine sampling uncertainty. For example, the sample may be the only "world's supply", negating the need for a sampling procedure. • The estimated sampling uncertainty can be used to define the analytical measurement precision (i.e. -- reducing the analytical error to less than one third of the sampling error serves no purpose).

2:9 Planning the project

Constructing the Plan (cont.)

The basic information can provide the analyst with potential analytical measurement technique(s), suspected interferences, contamination issues, and the number of sample measurements required per determination (measurement refers to a complete analysis including sampling, preparation, instrumental analysis and reporting the final result and uncertainty). At this stage of the planning process, the analyst can determine if a certified reference material (CRM) should be obtained for method validation. In addition, the chemist can approximate the need for analytical reagents and apparatus and/or calibration standards.

Lastly, estimate the time and cost of the project and base your initial approach on these estimates. Remember, there is always the possibility that more than one iteration may be required before an acceptable approach can be developed.