The measurement uncertainty is required for the objective and sound interpretation of the measurement result. However, the evaluation of the uncertainty of complex measurements in chemistry, such as for the analysis of trace levels of analytes in environmental or biological samples after complex sample preparation, is not trivial. Some examples of complex sample preparations are acid digestions of the sample for the elemental analysis or the solvent extraction of organic analytes. This communication presents a novel approach for the “subanalytical” evaluation of complex sample preparation that involves the isolation and the Monte Carlo Method simulation of the precision and trueness of the analytical steps. The simulation is based on observed experimental performance since the analytical efficiency frequently varies with uncontrolled characteristics of the analysed item.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.