3.5 Laboratory Fortified Blank (LFB) -- An aliquot of reagent water or other blank
matrices to which known quantities of the method analytes are added in the
laboratory. The LFB is analyzed exactly like a sample, and its purpose is to
determine whether the methodology is in control, and whether the laboratory
is capable of making accurate and precise measurements.
3.6 Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix (LFM) -- An aliquot of an environmental
sample to which known quantities of the method analytes are added in the
laboratory. The LFM is analyzed exactly like a sample, and its purpose is to
determine whether the sample matrix contributes bias to the analytical results.
The background concentrations of the analytes in the sample matrix must be
determined in a separate aliquot and the measured values in the LFM
corrected for background concentrations.
3.7 Laboratory Reagent Blank (LRB) -- An aliquot of reagent water or other blank
matrices that are treated exactly as a sample including exposure to all
glassware, equipment, solvents, reagents, internal standards, and surrogates
that are used with other samples. The LRB is used to determine if method
analytes or other interferences are present in the laboratory environment, the
reagents, or the apparatus.
3.8 Linear Calibration Range (LCR) -- The concentration range over which the
instrument response is linear.
3.9 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) -- Written information provided by
vendors concerning a chemical's toxicity, health hazards, physical properties,
fire, and reactivity data including storage, spill, and handling precautions.
3.10 Method Detection Limit (MDL) -- The minimum concentration of an analyte
that can be identified, measured and reported with 99% confidence that the
analyte concentration is greater than zero.
3.11 Performance Evaluation Sample (PE) -- A solution of method analytes
distributed by the Quality Assurance Research Division (QARD),
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory (EMSL-Cincinnati), U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, to multiple laboratories for
analysis. A volume of the solution is added to a known volume of reagent
water and analyzed with procedures used for samples. Results of analyses are
used by QARD to determine statistically the accuracy and precision that can be
expected when a method is performed by a competent analyst. Analyte true
values are unknown to the analyst.
3.12 Quality Control Sample (QCS) -- A solution of method analytes of known
concentrations that is used to fortify an aliquot of LRB or sample matrix. The
QCS is obtained from a source external to the laboratory and different from
the source of calibration standards. It is used to check laboratory performance
with externally prepared test materials.