解决实验问题

Dr. Ava, have you had a chance to look at the latest ICP-MS data? I'm seeing some really unexpected high values for lead in the samples from experiment B.

Yes, Dr. Lee, I just pulled it up. You're right, those levels are definitely an outlier, far beyond what we saw in the preliminary runs. Are you sure the sample preparation was consistent across all batches?

That's the first thing I checked. Everything followed the SOP rigorously. My immediate thought was potential contamination in the reagents or perhaps the glassware. Did we open a new batch of nitric acid recently?

We did last week. It's a new supplier too. I can run a blank with that specific batch of nitric acid and also check our acid-washed glassware one more time. It's odd that it's only showing up significantly in experiment B samples, though.

Precisely. That specificity makes me wonder about something unique to that experiment's setup. Could it be the tubing in the sample delivery system, or perhaps even a localized issue with the fume hood for those specific samples?

Good point. I'll ask John to check the tubing for any signs of degradation or residue specific to the ICP-MS in the next hour. And I'll run those blanks and re-acid wash a fresh set of vials to see if the problem persists with newly prepared samples.

Sounds like a solid plan. Let's reconvene this afternoon to discuss the results of those checks. Hopefully, we can pinpoint the source and get back on track.

Agreed. I'll send you an update as soon as I have something concrete. Thanks for bringing this to my attention so quickly.