In analytical chemistry, the terms ‘sample’ and ‘analyte’ refer to different components of a testing process, and understanding the difference between them is crucial for anyone working in the field.
Sample: A sample is a portion of material that is collected and analyzed to understand its composition or properties. It can consist of various substances and can be taken from a larger batch, such as soil from a site, blood from a patient, or liquid from a manufacturing process. The sample represents the larger population and is what chemists work with during experiments.
Analyte: An analyte, on the other hand, is the specific substance or chemical component that is being measured within the sample. For instance, if a soil sample is being analyzed for the presence of lead, the lead is the analyte. In a blood test, glucose is the analyte if the goal is to measure blood sugar levels.
In summary, the sample is the material taken for analysis, while the analyte is the particular component within that sample that is of interest. Understanding this distinction helps in designing experiments appropriately and accurately interpreting results.