What is the purpose of "spikes" in lead dust analysis?

In lead dust analysis, the purpose of "spikes" is associated with establishing quality control. Spikes refer to known quantities of lead that are added to a sample to assess the accuracy and precision of the analytical method being used. By comparing the concentration of lead found in the spiked samples to the known added amount, analysts can evaluate the performance of the testing process and ensure that the results are reliable and valid.

In a quality control context, spikes help identify whether the testing methodology is capable of detecting lead at the expected levels and provides an opportunity to monitor any potential systematic errors in the analysis. This is a critical step in ensuring that the data collected from lead dust samples is trustworthy, which is especially important in environments where lead exposure poses significant health risks.