Lead wipe analysis is conducted using which method?

Lead wipe analysis is conducted using which method?

• A. Gas Chromatography
• B. Mass Spectrometry
• C. Atomic Absorption
• D. Spectrophotometry

Answer: (C)

Lead wipe analysis relies on measuring the amount of lead atoms directly. Atomic absorption spectroscopy does this by detecting how much light at a lead-specific wavelength is absorbed when the sample, prepared from the wipe, is atomized in a flame or graphite furnace. The absorbance is proportional to the lead concentration, allowing precise quantification against standards. This method is well established for metals in environmental wipe samples, offering good sensitivity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness with straightforward calibration and QA/QC procedures. Gas chromatography targets organic compounds, not metals. Mass spectrometry is powerful and versatile but requires more complex instrumentation and often additional separation steps for routine wipe testing. Spectrophotometry can measure metals in some contexts but is generally less specific and may struggle with interferences in wipe digests. For a routine, accurate measurement of lead on wipes, atomic absorption provides the most direct and practical approach.

Lead wipe analysis relies on measuring the amount of lead atoms directly. Atomic absorption spectroscopy does this by detecting how much light at a lead-specific wavelength is absorbed when the sample, prepared from the wipe, is atomized in a flame or graphite furnace. The absorbance is proportional to the lead concentration, allowing precise quantification against standards. This method is well established for metals in environmental wipe samples, offering good sensitivity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness with straightforward calibration and QA/QC procedures.

Gas chromatography targets organic compounds, not metals. Mass spectrometry is powerful and versatile but requires more complex instrumentation and often additional separation steps for routine wipe testing. Spectrophotometry can measure metals in some contexts but is generally less specific and may struggle with interferences in wipe digests. For a routine, accurate measurement of lead on wipes, atomic absorption provides the most direct and practical approach.