Using the Response Distribution to Compare and Optimize Untargeted Analysis Techniques

Many complex mixtures have, on the high response side, a log-normal distribution of response amplitudes of detected components. A list of the response amplitudes for a given sample can easily be tested for this characteristic. When the data collected fit the log-normal distribution, the number and response levels of the detectable components which were not detected can be determined. This analysis is readily accomplished in an Excel spreadsheet. Log-normal fits, and the parameters of those fits, when collected over a range of samples and sample types, could provide a new metric to characterize and compare the techniques employed as well as the nature of the mixtures studied.