Interferences are substances in a sample that can cause false ____________ and false ________.

Interferences are substances in a sample that can cause false ____________ and false ________.

• A. False positives and false negatives
• B. Positives and negatives
• C. Positives and positives
• D. Negatives and positives

Answer: (B)

Interferences are substances in a sample that can distort test results by triggering a signal when the target isn’t there (false positive) or by masking the target so it appears absent (false negative). In wastewater testing, this happens when components of the sample matrix or other chemicals affect the measurement, leading to erroneous detection or nondetection. The sentence should read with "false positives and false negatives," since interferences can cause either type of error. This highlights why quality controls like blanks, spikes, and proper calibration are essential to identify and compensate for these interferences.

Interferences are substances in a sample that can distort test results by triggering a signal when the target isn’t there (false positive) or by masking the target so it appears absent (false negative). In wastewater testing, this happens when components of the sample matrix or other chemicals affect the measurement, leading to erroneous detection or nondetection. The sentence should read with "false positives and false negatives," since interferences can cause either type of error. This highlights why quality controls like blanks, spikes, and proper calibration are essential to identify and compensate for these interferences.