Use matrix spike, matrix blank to correct for matrix effect in ESI-MS?

Question

We are using MassHunter Acquisition 1.2 with Quant Analysis 10.2 
 We have been trying to develop a method using standard additions to compensate for matrix effects. However, it seems there is some non-linearity at low concentration that is causing a positive bias in our results. As a result, I don't think that we can use standard additions. 
 Now we are considering using external calibration to quantitate the sample along with a spiked sample to measure "recovery". Preferably, this measured recovery would then be used to correct the sample result for matrix effect. 
 I am looking for documentation to help with this. The documentation that I have found from Agilent are not very detailed. Does anyone know of a resource that adequately explains the matrixspike and matrixblank sample types and how they are used. Example calculations would be helpful.

howard_sanford · Answer

Hello sassman , 
 The various matrix sample types and matrix outliers are provided in quant for monitoring and reporting results for certain environmental analyses. There are EPA methods, for example, that require matrix spike recoveries. These values are only calculated for reporting purposes and are not used within quant to adjust final concentration results. 
 The calculations and their requirements are listed in the help and also in the data set manual, but it can be confusing if you have never set it up before. There is a series of videos installed with the Quant Supplemental material that give some good examples of how the various matrix outliers are used and what sample types and other settings need to be in place for calculation. If the videos are not installed there are installation instructions in this discussion . 
 To use any of these calculations for adjusting the final concentration you would either need to utilize the SDK to create a custom calculation in quant, or create a custom report template to calculate and report the adjusted concentration.