What is a blank solution?

Answer 1

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Glossary ---- blank solution

1. a solution that does not contain a detectable amount of the analyte of interest. The

blank solution is typically used for calibration purposes. Depending on its purpose the

following blank solutions can be defined:

Calibration blank (the solution used for creating the zero concentration point of the

calibration graph; this solution contains only the diluent used for making the standard

solution)

2. Reagent blank (a blank solution that contains the reagents used to dissolve the

samples such as acids used for digestion; the reading for this solution is typically

substracted from sample readings)

3. Method blank (a blank solution that has been handled similar to a sample, and to

which the same reagents have been added, that had contact to the same type of vessels

and that was treated by a similar procedure. This solution than is handled to monitor

any type of contamination taking place with the method used.

The correct treatment of the analytical result for the blank solution does have a

significant effect on the correctness of analytical results, especially for samples having

analyte concentrations close to the limit of quantitation. Especially the measurement of

the reagent and method blank must be well differentiated from the baseline correction.

Answer 2

A blank solution is a solution that does not contain the analyte of interest. It is used as a baseline reference in analytical techniques to account for any interference or background signal in the measurements.

Answer 3

To trace the sources of contamination introduced artificially blank solution is used. In instruments such as calorimeter, it also used for calibration.