Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

Why are duplicate and/or replication samples performed in laboratory analysis?

1. Accuracy

2. Precision

3. Reproducibility

4. Validation

The correct answer is: Precision

Performing duplicate and/or replication samples in laboratory analysis is crucial for assessing precision. Precision refers to the degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions yield the same results. By taking duplicate or replicate samples, laboratories can determine the consistency of their measurements, which is essential for ensuring that the results are reliable and can be reproduced. When assessing the precision of an analysis, the variation among the duplicate samples can be calculated. If the measurements are close to each other, it indicates high precision, while large differences may suggest variability in the analysis process, potential errors, or issues with sample handling. This practice is important in the wastewater treatment field as it helps operators and analysts understand the reliability of their data, which ultimately affects decision-making and compliance with regulatory standards. Thus, precision is a fundamental aspect of laboratory analysis that ensures the integrity and quality of results.