BlankProben

BlankProben are control samples used in analytical workflows to assess background signals and potential contamination. They are prepared to contain no detectable amount of the target analyte and are processed in the same way as real samples, providing a baseline against which measurements can be compared. The term BlankProben is commonly used in German-language scientific literature and is also encountered in international contexts as blank samples or blanks.

There are several common types of BlankProben. Reagenzblanke (reagent blanks) contain all reagents except the analyzed sample, used to identify contamination from solvents or reagents. Methodenblankproben (method blanks) go through the entire sample preparation and analysis process to capture any contamination introduced during handling. Feldblankproben (field blanks) are exposed to the external environment at the collection site to assess environmental contamination. Instrumentblankproben (instrument blanks) involve running the instrument with a blank solution to monitor instrument background and drift.

Applications of BlankProben span environmental monitoring, clinical chemistry, pharmaceutical quality control, and food analysis. They help determine the limit of detection and limit of quantification, assess background noise, and enable subtraction or correction of background signals in data reporting. They also serve as a quality-control check to detect systematic contamination and ensure method integrity.

Preparation and interpretation are critical. BlankProben are prepared and processed identically to real samples, typically using high-purity water or solvent. If a blank shows a measurable signal, investigators must investigate sources of contamination and adjust data interpretation or method parameters accordingly. Blanks complement calibration and standard curves, supporting accurate and traceable results.