Meaning
Quality control tests measure the accuracy of an analytical method by adding a known amount of analyte to a sample. Routine spike recovery validation confirms that the extraction process captures all the additives or contaminants present in the resin. The test is successful if the recovered amount falls within a predetermined percentage of the added spike.
Recovery Calculation
Analysts compare the measured value of the spiked sample against the unspiked original and the known addition. Low spike recovery validation results suggest that the material matrix is trapping the analyte or that the solvent is inefficient. This calculation provides a correction factor that can be used to improve the accuracy of the final report.
Method Accuracy
Testing laboratories perform these checks to ensure that their internal procedures are consistent across different days. When spike recovery validation is performed correctly, it highlights issues with sample preparation or instrument calibration. This is vital when measuring trace amounts of flame retardants in electronic housings.
Suppliers use this data to prove that their material meets the safety requirements of the end user. Repeating the test with different spike levels confirms the linearity of the detector response across the expected concentration range.
Pass Criterion
Industry standards define the acceptable range for the recovery of different chemical species. Robust spike recovery validation ensures data reliability.
