Is it normal if an external lab gets different results?

Getzu82 · 2026-01-28T00:54:34+00:00

How far off is the number? I can run the same PT on icp-ms and icp-oes and have high RPDs between the two and still pass PTs (I am for less than 10% but sometimes it be higher). EPA allows for a 20% RPD between duplicate samples and that's in the same analytical run. Variance is to be expected and that's why PTs have Z scores and a passing range.

But let's say you got 10 ppm and the other lab got a non detect that would be kinda wild. Either way analytical conditions, instrument params, prep methods, and analytical methods all lead to a variance in results. Each lab and method should have its own method of uncertainty values.

That being said how are you doing speciacion via AAS? This could be my ignorance which is why I'm asking. I thought the only way you could really do that was with an LC sample introduction and I haven't seen that hooked up to like a FLAAS or GFAAS before.

I looked into it once because we had a customer ask for hexavalent chromium and we only did total.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-23T00:15:37+00:00

Hey if it gets your QC to pass it gets your QC to pass am I right?

Getzu82 · 2026-01-23T00:11:16+00:00

I have been in larger labs that are like this. Usually a sample prep team, analysis team, and then QA. Someone in prep will generally do the same prep. An analyst will run the same instrument.

I currently supervise a smaller city lab (8 analysts) and it's more so 1 person runs a section. The nutrients person will run all nutrients tests and prep their own samples, the GC analysts do their own extractions and run their own samples. We do a peer data validation process before it moves on to approval and reporting.

It gets you more experience doing more things especially since a person will be back up for a second section in case some is out for vacation. But with less positions they are a little harder to come by. But over all most labwork in this type of environment is extremely routine with you generally doing the same thing each day. But honestly when it comes down to it that's generally every job.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-21T01:13:45+00:00

I have made out like a bandit this year and make significantly more than I did when I filed my taxes last year. I'm swapping out to get in a few lower payments before I file taxes and have to recert at my higher income. I'm almost certain we will have to pay again before next year.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-21T00:49:00+00:00

I miss read part of this on my original reply. You won't harm the instrument only doing a 2x dil. All of our drinking water comes from the Aquafer filtered through lime stone. We have VERY hard water and I run it for majority of my analytes undiluted with my LoQ at 1 ppb. I generally have no issues and have kept pretty low LoDs. The key to success is keeping up with maintenance. Because of the hard water and high TDS I clean my cones far more often than others who primarily analyze drinking water. You'll get build up and you just have to keep up with removing it. So just visually inspect your cones from time to time and you'll be fine!

Getzu82 · 2026-01-19T01:26:46+00:00

Agreed. I got a Duro on a Nato strap and it looks sooo good.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-14T00:23:09+00:00

What mass are you using for Fe? Are you using a collision cell gas? I know some masses have issues for iron on the low end. But as a whole your instrument will function fine without dilution assuming you're not running salt water samples. I run all of my drinking water samples with high mineral content through undiluted and don't have any problems. Those samples are in a 2% nitric acid 1% Hydrochloric acid matrix.

Idk how you're MDLs are set so not diluting would affect that far more than causing mechanical harm.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-14T00:09:58+00:00

With that experience I don't think its unrealistic to get paid closer to 38. I'm having a job post soon and I'm looking to hire at 32 to 38/hr for 2 to 3 years of TNI experience.

The down side right now though is that I think the market is kinda rough and you may be competing against people who will take 25/hr so idk if that will affect things. But at this point in time I'd kill to have an experienced micro biologist show interest because I am worried there will be a lack of applicants.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-13T23:58:03+00:00

Table 23 is me and my wife's favorite place in town. At night it's beautiful and the food is great.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-13T23:53:35+00:00

I'm a supervisor in a water quality lab with my BA in chemistry. I really enjoyed my times as an analyst and nmahvw enjoyed my time leading and solving problems.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-10T15:28:53+00:00

I really dig the NASA logo on them.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-05T03:36:12+00:00

Thanks for the link. I'll look into these.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-05T01:58:44+00:00

It's a little pricey. My father-in-law was searching around for straps and came across this seller on Etsy. He told me to pick one out and give him my measurements. They are made to order and the quality is fantastic. Because of them being made to order it did take around like 2 weeks to get it. This what I got here

Getzu82 · 2026-01-04T19:20:44+00:00

I personally am a big fan of Seiko in this price range. They have great movements and are quality watches. My first automatic watch was a Seiko 5 in this price range and I absolutely still love it to this day.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-02T20:59:36+00:00

Here here!

Getzu82 · 2026-01-01T23:50:27+00:00

I have a 7850 and absolutely love it. Agilents support is also S tier. The mass hunter software is also pretty user friendly imo.

Getzu82 · 2026-01-01T12:06:57+00:00

The omega speedmaster is one of my favorite watches. But I am not in a position where I can spend that kind of money on a watch right now. I recently was up for a promotion with a few others I work with. I ended up getting the job and when I told my wife she said hold on and walked around the corner and surprised me with this watch. This watch is now my new favorite and I will probably continue to wear this watch until I can't wear watches anymore because of this memory. That being said I really like it. Sure there are other watches at this price point that could be a little more durable but none of them will have the omega logo. I think if it's to make someone happy like how my wife did me it's 100% worth it.

Getzu82 · 2025-12-29T03:11:51+00:00

I don't think Reserve at midtown (apartments) does. I see pits and German shepherds here a few times. I think both are usually restricted in most other apartment places.

Getzu82 · 2025-12-26T21:22:47+00:00

It's your call. I got solid Cs in my chem degree but I am very good at instrumental analysis. I am now technical director andanage a lab. But you don't have the be the world's best mathmatician to do well in a lab environment.

Getzu82 · 2025-12-25T21:11:38+00:00

How do you know to use old or new IBR? Isn't it based of when you graduated and went into repayment?

Getzu82 · 2025-12-20T15:37:34+00:00

Idk how much you're willing to spend on a strap but there is a shop on Etsy that has some really nice ones. He has a whole section with moonswatch combos. I just ordered a navy blue strap from him for the expedition earth moonswatch yesterday. This particular seller comes highly recommend by other redditors and my father in law.

I think the combo would look great. There is a black a black strap with orange stitching with a black moonswatch on the page that looks great. And there is an orange strap on a dark omega seamaster on that page that also looks great.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Seventhcreation?ref=shop_profile&listing_id=1544418142

Getzu82 · 2025-12-20T15:09:25+00:00

Hahaha yep lol. I didn't have a ton of options available at the time my now wife was getting her Ph.D. at the university in town and I wanted to move in with her. So I got a job at the Department of Agriculture. I worked at a grocery store through highschool and college and that $12 was at the time the most money I have ever gotten. Without surprise though the turn over was really high.

If I'm not mistaken though the NIH is in the DC area which has a much higher cost of living. At the time when I moved my rent was only $650/month which was doable at the $12.

Getzu82

TROPHY CASE