When training an analyst to process various matrices with IMS, look for the common mistakes listed below:
- Wrong volume transferred to the Leighton tube
- Not adding both buffers (SL-Buffer A and B) or both types of beads (anti-Cryptosporidium and anti-Giardia)
- Not resuspending the beads properly before withdrawing aliquot
- Not rinsing the centrifuge tube
- Rocking the sample (Leighton and microcentrifuge tube) with a rough motion
- Performing an incomplete transfer to the microcentrifuge tube
- Vortexing too slowly during dissociation
- Forgetting to neutralize the HCl with NaOH