When answering this question, it's important to demonstrate your knowledge of both accuracy and precision, and the methods you use to ensure both in your analytical work. Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the true value, while precision refers to the reproducibility of the measurement.
Start by explaining the difference between accuracy and precision. Then, discuss specific techniques and practices you use to ensure both. For example, you might mention the use of calibration standards, regular maintenance and calibration of equipment, running controls and blanks, and performing replicate analyses. You can also talk about statistical methods you use to analyze data and ensure reliability, such as calculating standard deviations and confidence intervals.
Example:
"To ensure the accuracy of my analytical results, I regularly calibrate my instruments using certified reference materials and perform routine maintenance to keep the equipment in optimal condition. I also run control samples and blanks with each batch of analyses to check for any potential contamination or instrument drift. For precision, I perform replicate analyses and use statistical methods to evaluate the consistency of my results, such as calculating the standard deviation and confidence intervals. By combining these practices, I can ensure that my analytical results are both accurate and precise."
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