matriisivaikutusten

Matriisivaikutukset, known in English as matrix effects, refer to the phenomenon where the signal response of an analyte in an analytical measurement is influenced by other components present in the sample matrix. This means that the concentration of the analyte is not directly proportional to the measured signal because the surrounding substances, the matrix, alter the ionization efficiency, extraction efficiency, or detector response.

Matrix effects can significantly impact the accuracy and precision of analytical results, particularly in complex samples such as biological fluids, environmental samples, or food products. The presence of high concentrations of salts, lipids, proteins, or other interfering compounds can either suppress or enhance the signal of the target analyte.

To mitigate matrix effects, various sample preparation techniques are employed. These include extraction methods like liquid-liquid extraction or solid-phase extraction, which aim to remove or reduce the concentration of interfering matrix components. Dilution of the sample can also be effective if the matrix components are present in very high concentrations.

Another common approach to compensate for matrix effects is the use of internal standards. An internal standard is a compound chemically similar to the analyte, added to both calibration standards and samples at a known concentration. By measuring the ratio of the analyte signal to the internal standard signal, variations in sample preparation and instrument performance, including matrix effects, can be accounted for, leading to more reliable quantitative results. Isotope-labeled internal standards are often preferred as they behave similarly to the analyte but are distinguishable by the analytical instrument.