2.6. Validation
The performance of the LC–MS/MS_QTrapmethod was evaluated by validating the procedures using a fortification of thehospital effluent samples. Linearity was evaluated through the curves preparedby the standard addition method (spiking), for the effluent samples, and thecalibration, by a least squares regression analysis. The intra-day and theinter-day precisions were evaluated through a set of fortified samples at threelevels of concentration (seven independent replicates for each level), with theaid of the relative standard deviation (RSD), on three consecutive days.
The limit of detection and the limit ofquantification were defined and determined according to the signal–noiserelation (s/r), by injecting the respective analytical standards in triplicate,and considering the analyte concentration with an analytical signal 3(s/r) asthe limit of detection (LOD), and 10(s/r) as the limit of quantification (LOQ).Seven independent determinations were carried out on a sample exempt ofanalyte, and similarly, with the lowest measurable concentration of theanalyte, by using the analytical curve.