If a Mojonnier mixture (pet ether, ethyl ether, ethanol) is utilized, a blank value as high as 0.003g is normal. If pet ether only is used, a blank value as high as 0.001g is normal.

During the hydrolysis phase, fat migration may occur with samples that have fat with low melting points such as triacylglycerides or emulsifiers. Fat loss can be detected by placing a blank bag next to suspect samples in the holder and performing the hydrolysis.  If a blank bag loses too much weight during the extraction, this is an indication of fat loss from the neighboring high fat sample during the hydrolysis. We would recommend a greater amount of diatomaceous earth and reduced sample size with any sample that shows this indication of fat loss.