You did not include the name and revision of software you are using (the most important information needed, as "ICP-OES 5800" is just an instrument model number and your question is a software question).

Quick answer is in most cases (depends on software) to leave them all blank as those columns are normally only used when you need to CHANGE something (that is to say, when you want to change the value used in the method). YOUR METHOD should and, if applicable, have a saved Calibration Table(s) abd should already have all of the sample information saved in them as part of the method (*You already programmed the volume in the method. You already made and took into account all dilutions and sample prep when you created your Cal table for each sample type). 'Sequence' is just running each method that you created sequentially. Refer to the manual for these types of questions.

Thank you for your feedback. I strongly disagree with your take though, I think the most important part is al of the stuff that you did not address. The software is ICP expert version 7.5.4.11997, but the software version updates will not change the function of the columns I asked about or the soil extraction/dilution question.

This response does not answer any of my questions it seems. I am asking what these columns are for and if my soil extractions are technically considered dilutions.

What is the weight column for? Specifically, the weight of what? The weight of the mass of liquid sitting in the sample tube? The weight of the soil that went into the extraction? Leaving it blank is fine but what is it supposed to be used for.

What is the volume column used for? is this the volume of liquid in The sample vial? The vial of liquid being pulled up by the auto sampler? The final volume of the extraction?

The dilution column seems a bit more straight forward, it seems to be a dilution factor column, but are my soil extractions considered a dilution or part of the extraction procedure?

It sounds like you are not familiar with the software (Please get some professional training from the manufacturer first, before using). The users manual will address many of these basic questions, but formal training is advised too. And, yes, it certainly does matter which software and which revision of software you are using because Agilent has changed the definitions and purpose of the columns used. If you had used different systems before, then you might be aware of the fact that some manufacturers use THE SAME TERMS, but define them different (which is very confusing). This is really important to know and since you did not include the software info in your request, allows for only a general response.

For example: "ICP Expert" early versions required you to place a '1' in the Dilution field if the sample output should NOT be multiplied by a "dilution factor" (where '1' equals 100% or no change). If you want the system to multiple or divide the raw data by a factor, then you can input a value in that field and it can do it automatically for reporting. The fields are added to the SEQUENCE table so you make specific sample changes in the que, but normally, we have already made these calculations when we prepare the samples for analysis.

William,

I would not be here if the manual or training covered this information with clarity. My trainer contradicted the manual. The manual states for the weight/volume/dilution columns of the sequence page to "enter any factors used to create the solution. These factors (weight, volume, dilution) are used to calculate the final concentration".

My training professional was an outside contractor who could not answer basic questions about the software function and what specific buttons do, he had never ran soil extractions through the ICP-OES or ICP-MS despite 20 years of training experience, and he refused to touch any EPA methods. I complained about the experience to Agilent and they provided me with a 1 year pass to their online Agilent University. My trainer said to to "leave the weight column empty and to make the volume column the final volume of the extraction. Dilution factor if necessary". This contradicts what the manual states. If the manual is correct, then I should have entered the weight of the mass of soil that went into the extraction. If my trainer is correct, then I leave the weight column empty.

Hence the questions.

You will be pleased to learn that the software still requires a 1 in the dilution column and defaults all fields here to be 1 so that the user is not required to do so.

I completely understand your frustration. "years of" experience" are not the same as having knowledge on a topic or practical experience. Sadly, it has been our experience too that Agilent and other vendors do employ some people with many "years of experience" on the job, but little to no understanding of the instrumentation, software or applications. Sometimes, the customer(s) just do not have the knowledge to understand what is presented too (There are two-sides to the coin). We also encounter clients with 20+ years of "experience", but in fact have the equivalent of maybe one weeks worth of actual experience and training. So while many try to equate "years on the job" with experience, clearly they are two separate things. - Apologies for the rant.

(1) If you hired the person from Agilent to provide on-site training in the software and they were unable to do so, then I hope you complained to Agilent . Perhaps ask them to send someone else?

(2) As noted before, those columns are USUALLY optional (only for when YOU want to change what YOU already programmed in the method. If the manual states, ""enter any factors used to create the solution", then I would say I agree and that is correct (but optional). The manual is suggesting the same thing that I have written. IF you want the computer to perform the calculations for you, then you can enter the data (corrected for mass/volume/density) and it will use them in the calculations. However, in our field, we almost never do this and instead already know what our dilution factor is before we run the sample so perform any corrections to the output data AFTER the analysis (*You can show the result from the ICP, then the separate factor(s) to translate than into whatever units you need).

Thank you for taking the time to respond and providing insight into some of your experiences with Agilent. I attended a local introductory ICP-OES free training course held by Agilent and Millipore and while there, I serendipitously ran into one of the gentlemen responsible for coordinating Agilent's training program and once I voiced by concerns about how unhelpful their contracted trainer was to someone like me who is entirely new to the ICP-OES, he offered to give me 1 year access to their newly completed "Agilent University" online training course which, while helpful, still did not address this one small question that I have regarding the parameters discussed on the Sequence page of ICP Expert software.

I do appreciate your feedback regarding the software function and the difference between choosing to manually perform these calculations versus having the software doing it for you.

Thank you, William!