Hi everyone,
We are starting to test a new analytical routine (including new sample preparation) using the 3D Trace Elements DRS, and we are encountering some issues with the LOD values.
We are applying standardization to a sum of oxide weight percent equal to 100%, and in general we are obtaining reasonable concentrations for the major oxides in our samples. However, the calculated LODs for those elements expressed in wt% are extremely high, in some cases up to 500 times higher than the measured concentrations.
In contrast, for other elements within the same experiment/integration/spot, but expressed in ppm, we obtain LOD values that appear reasonable.
This seems unrealistic to us, and we are not sure whether:
• we are doing something wrong in the setup
• there is an issue related to the standardization approach
• or we might be misunderstanding the units of the reported LODs
In particular, the values suggest a possible units mismatch (e.g. LODs effectively calculated in ppm but displayed or interpreted as wt%, or something similar; see the image ant the end of the message), but we are unsure how to verify or check this within iolite.
At this stage, these are our first data using this new analytical routine, so we are aware that the results can still be greatly improved. However, we expected some instability or suboptimal performance, but not LOD values of this magnitude.
Any suggestions or guidance would be very helpful at this stage.
Thank you very much in advance!
Best wishes,
Sonia
