Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model Lead Based Paint Risk Assessor Practice Test

What is the purpose of labeling spike samples?

1. To identify them for storage

2. For the lab to recognize them easily

3. To comply with regulatory requirements

4. To ensure accurate processing by the laboratory

The correct answer is: To ensure accurate processing by the laboratory

Labeling spike samples serves the essential function of ensuring accurate processing by the laboratory. Spike samples are used in environmental testing to assess the accuracy and precision of analytical methods. By clearly labeling these samples, laboratories can track their handling and ensure they are processed correctly along with the rest of the samples. Accurate processing includes maintaining proper identification throughout the testing stages, which allows for reliable data analysis. When spike samples are correctly labeled, it ensures that the laboratory can appropriately compare the results of these known quantities against the test results for other samples, aiding in the QA/QC process. This contributes significantly to validating the methodology and the results derived from the overall analysis. Other aspects such as storage identification, easy recognition by the lab, and regulatory compliance are important but secondary to the primary goal of ensuring the spike samples are processed accurately to uphold the integrity of the testing methodology.