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- Posts: 162
- Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 2:51 pm
The glossary gives this definition:
A group of samples, including quality control samples, which are
processed together using the same method, the same lots of reagents,
and at the same time or in continuous, sequential time periods.
Samples in each batch should be of similar composition and share
common internal quality control standards. For QC purposes, if the
number of samples in a batch is limited to 20; laboratory QC samples
are not included in the batch count.
Each batch should be uniquely identified within the laboratory for
tracking purposes. Samples collected from the same site would
normally be grouped together for batching purposes within the
constraints imposed by the method holding times and batch size.
Samples prepared in the same batch would normally be analyzed
together on a single instrument. However, laboratories may find it
necessary to group multiple clients’ samples into a single batch. Under
these circumstances, additional matrix QC samples (i.e., duplicates,
matrix spikes) may be needed to evaluate the effect of the matrix from
each site on method performance.