Furnaces also require smaller sample volumes than with flame.
The disadvantages are that furnaces give poor reproducibility compared with a flame, which because of sample introduction gives good precision. The plasma decreases chemical interference and allows emission instead of absorption to be used. Self-absorption is reduced in plasma because the temperature is more uniform than in a flame. Disadvantages of the plasma are increased cost of equipment and operation. Spectral interference refers to overlap of analyte signal with signals due to other elements or molecules in the sample or with signals due to the flame or furnace.