How to Interpret CWC Labs Test Results

One thousand parts per billion equals one part per million: 1000 ppb = 1 ppm

To derive ppm from the numbers in the report, just divide the ppb numbers by 1000 to get ppm. (It’s all metric, which is what makes it super easy to translate units.

Mass: This is the accurate atomic mass of the elemental isotope being analyzed. Some elements have more than one isotope and therefore have more than one mass that's analyzed.

Conc: This means "concentration" and is given in ppb.

Units: Confirms that the units being used are ppb.

RSD(%): Relative Standard Deviations. Describes the statistical certainty of the result for that element. Lower numbers means more data points and greater confidence. It is perfectly normal to see an element with a very low concentration have a very high RSD. This is because very few ions of the element were available to detect.

Det: (Analog/Pulse) Describes the detection mode of the ICP-MS detector. "Pulse" means digital and is used for very low concentrations. Analog is used for higher concentrations. This is not really important for you to consider, but it helps scientists understand the analysis better.