Application Note
Preparing standard samples with ease
Learn how to reduce errors and save time when preparing reference samples in the lab.
Preparing standard samples — solutions with known concentrations — is essential for ensuring accuracy in analytical measurements. Yet for many researchers, this routine task means juggling dense calculations and painstakingly weighing powder down to a fraction of a milligram. With intelligent tools that automate calculations and guide each step, this tedious process can be streamlined, precise, and reproducible.
Download this application note to learn:
- The risks and limitations of manual standard preparation
- How automated processes improve precision and reduce workload
- Strategies for ensuring reproducibility and meeting quality standards in the lab
Top Image Credit:
iStock.com/piola666
Application Highlight
Preparation of standards, also called reference
samples, of known concentrations is a common routine
procedure in analytical laboratories. Internal or external
standards with very low concentrations are used in these
laboratories for highly sensitive quantitative analytical
methods to exactly determine the concentration of
chemical components in samples using highly sensitive
quantitative analytical procedures.
Standard
Preparation
External standards are separate samples used for comparison
1. The required weight of the soluble component(s) is calcu
to test samples, whereas internal standards are added to
lated
based on the desired final component(s) concentration
the samples to be analyzed. However, all standards have a
and the final solution volume. The decisive problem is the
defined concentration of one or several known component(s).
weighing process of the solid component(s). Normally,
The concentration of these standards must be as accurate
high-resolution laboratory balances with an accuracy of
as possible to prevent subsequent errors in determining
several decimal places are used to measure the exact weight
unknown concentrations in samples.
and it is almost impossible to reach the target weight exactly
to the last digit during weighing in a component. Most often
Also the preparation of standards is routine work in analytical
the measured component weight exceeds the target weight
laboratories two problems can occur when standards are
because users don’t want to weigh in less than required but
manually prepared from soluble solids:
don’t hit exactly the target weight. Especially when preparing
mixed standards it is not possible to remove excessive
material from the vessel without impairing the component(s)
final concentration(s).
Application Highlight
Preparation of standards, also called reference
samples, of known concentrations is a common routine
procedure in analytical laboratories. Internal or external
standards with very low concentrations are used in these
laboratories for highly sensitive quantitative analytical
methods to exactly determine the concentration of
chemical components in samples using highly sensitive
quantitative analytical procedures.
Standard
Preparation
External standards are separate samples used for comparison
1. The required weight of the soluble component(s) is calcu
to test samples, whereas internal standards are added to
lated
based on the desired final component(s) concentration
the samples to be analyzed. However, all standards have a
and the final solution volume. The decisive problem is the
defined concentration of one or several known component(s).
weighing process of the solid component(s). Normally,
The concentration of these standards must be as accurate
high-resolution laboratory balances with an accuracy of
as possible to prevent subsequent errors in determining
several decimal places are used to measure the exact weight
unknown concentrations in samples.
and it is almost impossible to reach the target weight exactly
to the last digit during weighing in a component. Most often
Also the preparation of standards is routine work in analytical
the measured component weight exceeds the target weight
laboratories two problems can occur when standards are
because users don’t want to weigh in less than required but
manually prepared from soluble solids:
don’t hit exactly the target weight. Especially when preparing
mixed standards it is not possible to remove excessive
material from the vessel without impairing the component(s)
final concentration(s).
