Preparation

Preparation applies to all processing done to an aliquot prior to instrumental analysis. The details of preparation might involve many steps (e.g., taking an aliquot, extraction, and cleanup). Most methods have a primary processing step, such as chemical extraction or separation that are part of the analysis method. The preparative steps could also be described in a separate method. The specific preparation details would normally be captured in a separate Preparation Plus Cleanup, not in the Analysis.