How should samples be tested for ammonia to ensure accurate results?

Testing samples for ammonia requires careful consideration of the methodology to ensure accurate results. Constant stirring during testing is essential as it promotes a homogeneous mixture of the sample. This uniformity helps in achieving consistent readings, as ammonia can exist in different forms within a sample. Stirring serves to evenly distribute the ammonia and prevents any settling or concentration gradients that could lead to erroneous measurements.

Other methods may not directly contribute to the accuracy of ammonia measurement in the same way. For instance, a static method may lead to stratification within the sample, resulting in an inaccurate representation of the ammonia concentration. Cooling the samples might be beneficial to slow down any biological activity, but it does not directly impact the measurement accuracy during the analysis. While using a centrifuge can help separate constituents of a sample, it is not primarily necessary for ammonia testing, as the focus should be on maintaining a well-mixed sample rather than fractionating its components.