Estimation of sample processing uncertainty for chlorpyrifos residue in cucumber

Sample processing is a very important component of uncertainty in analytical results. In order to have reliable results, the laboratory sample should be properly processed to obtain statistically homogenous matrix—before the representative test portions are withdrawn for analysis. The use of ¹⁴C-labeled compound is preferable because the analyte can be quantified without cleanup. The method is based on surface treatment of cucumber with ¹⁴C-chlorpyrifos, determination of ¹⁴C-chlorpyrifos activity in the replicate test portions of different size, and determination of the uncertainty of sample processing.