What does a reagent blank correct for in a spectrophotometric measurement?

What does a reagent blank correct for in a spectrophotometric measurement?

• A. The color of reagents
• B. Sample turbidity
• C. Bilirubin and hemolysis
• D. All of these options

Answer: (A)

In spectrophotometric measurements, a reagent blank is primarily used to correct for the color of the reagents used in the analysis. When performing such measurements, the reagents may impart some absorbance due to their inherent color, which can interfere with the accurate measurement of the sample's absorbance. By utilizing a blank that contains all the reagents except the analyte of interest, one can establish a baseline that accounts for this background absorbance. This ensures that any measurement taken is due solely to the sample itself and not influenced by the characteristics of the reagents. While color of the reagents is addressed by the reagent blank, other factors such as sample turbidity and interference from substances like bilirubin and the effects of hemolysis may require different approaches to manage. Sample turbidity can cause scattering of light which is not directly addressed by a reagent blank, and substances like bilirubin can absorb light in ways that might necessitate further adjustments. Thus, the statement that the reagent blank corrects only for the color of reagents is accurate, as it specifically pertains to the role of the blank in establishing a correct baseline for measurement.

In spectrophotometric measurements, a reagent blank is primarily used to correct for the color of the reagents used in the analysis. When performing such measurements, the reagents may impart some absorbance due to their inherent color, which can interfere with the accurate measurement of the sample's absorbance. By utilizing a blank that contains all the reagents except the analyte of interest, one can establish a baseline that accounts for this background absorbance. This ensures that any measurement taken is due solely to the sample itself and not influenced by the characteristics of the reagents.

While color of the reagents is addressed by the reagent blank, other factors such as sample turbidity and interference from substances like bilirubin and the effects of hemolysis may require different approaches to manage. Sample turbidity can cause scattering of light which is not directly addressed by a reagent blank, and substances like bilirubin can absorb light in ways that might necessitate further adjustments. Thus, the statement that the reagent blank corrects only for the color of reagents is accurate, as it specifically pertains to the role of the blank in establishing a correct baseline for measurement.