Matrix spiking is commonly used to determine the bias under specific analytical conditions, or the applicability of a test method to a particular sample matrix in that context, by determining the extent to which the spiked analyte or component is recovered from the sample matrix under these conditions. Reactions or interactions of the analyte or component of interest with the sample matrix may cause a significant positive or negative effect on recovery and may render the chosen analytical, or monitoring, process ineffectual for that sample matrix.

Matrix spiking can also be used to monitor the performance of a laboratory, individual instrument, or analyst as part of a regular quality assurance program. Changes in spike recoveries or recovery limits from the same or similar matrices over time may indicate variations in the quality of analytical results.

Spiking can be used to compare the recoveries of like spikes from reagent water samples and natural matrix samples (measured with and without spike) to distinguish between (1) unusual interference and (2) inherent method recovery and instability effects. This guide does not attempt to deal with the statistical significance of differences in spike recoveries from different matrices.

Special precautions shall be observed when nonlaboratory personnel perform spiking in the field. It is recommended that all spike preparation work be performed in a laboratory by experienced analysts so that the field operation consists solely of adding a prepared spiking solution to the sample matrix. Training of field personnel and validation of their spiking techniques are necessary to ensure that spikes are added accurately and reproducibly. Duplicate field spikes can be used to document the reproducibility of the technique. When environmentally labile compounds are used as spikes, the spiking solution shall be protected up to the point of use by appropriate means such as chilling, protection from sunlight and oxygen, or chemical preservation.

Note 1—Any field spiked sample, if known to the laboratory, should be labeled as a field spike in the final results report. Also, whenever possible, field spiking of volatile compounds should be avoided.

It is often tacitly assumed that an analyte component is recovered from samples to approximately the same extent that a spike of the same analyte is recovered from a spiked sample. One reason that this assumption may be incorrect is that the spike may not be bound up in the sample (for example, with suspended matter) in the same way that the naturally occurring analyte is bound in the sample. The spike may therefore be recovered from the sample differently than the background level of the analyte. It is not good practice to correct analytical data using spike recoveries for this reason, as well as the fact that bias corrections can add variability. However, spike recovery information should be reported along with related sample analysis results.

This guide is also applicable to the use of spikes for quantification by the method of standard additions and to the addition of surrogates and internal standards.

1.1 This guide covers the general technique of “spiking” a broad range of materials into aqueous media. This guide will serve the analyst in preparing spiked samples for quality control purposes. Guidance is also provided to aid the analyst in calculating recoveries and interpreting results. It is the responsibility of the analyst to determine whether the procedures and materials described here are appropriate to the task at hand.

1.2 The procedures in this guide are focused on “matrix spike” preparation, analysis, and interpretation of results. The applicability of these procedures to the preparation of calibration standards, calibration check standards, laboratory control standards, reference materials, and other quality control materials by spiking is incidental. A sample (the matrix) is fortified (spiked) with the analyte of interest for a variety of analytical and quality control purposes. While the spiking of multiple sample portions is discussed, the method of standard additions is not covered.

1.3 This guide is intended for use in conjunction with the individual analytical test method that provides procedures for analysis of the analyte or component of interest. The test method is used to determine an analyte or component's background level and, again after spiking, its now elevated level. Each test method typically provides procedures not only for samples, but also for calibration standards or analytical control solutions, or both. These procedures include preparation, handling, storage, preservation, and analysis techniques. These procedures are applicable by extension, using the analyst's judgement on a case-by-case basis, to spiking solutions, and are not reiterated in this guide. See also Practice E200 for preparation and storage information.

1.4 These procedures apply only to analytes that are soluble in water at the concentration of the spike plus any background material, or to analytes soluble in a solvent that is itself water-soluble. The system used in the later case must result in a homogeneous solution of analyte and sample. Meaningful recovery data cannot be obtained if an aqueous solution or homogenous suspension of the analyte of interest in the sample cannot be attained. These procedures may be applicable to microbiological preparations if the homogeneity of the suspension can be adequately maintained throughout the course of the analysis, for example, by mechanical agitation or stirring.

1.5 Matrix spiking may be performed in the field or in the laboratory, depending on which part of the analytical process is to be tested. Field spiking tests the recovery of the overall process, including preservation and shipping of the sample. Laboratory spiking tests the laboratory process only. Spiking of sample extracts, concentrates, or dilutions will test only that portion of the process subsequent to addition of the spike.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.