This is why it is good lab procedure to always "run a blank." A blank is simply a sample that is constructed exactly like a real sample but without the thing you are studying. This way you quickly learn about contamination from tools/gloves/environment etc.

▲

crazygringo 2 hours ago | parent [-]

If microplastics are everywhere in flesh/brains/etc., how do you construct a blank without them? Isn't that the very issue here?

	▲	fercircularbuf an hour ago \| parent [-]
		I don't believe the point is to construct a blank without them. Rather, the point is to capture what is already there (contaminants) so you can calibrate during the real sample.