2.4. Implications of reference values in deciding upon the degree of tolerable variation in analytical procedures

Abstract

In advanced medical routine work one should strive for an analytical variation allowing detection of deviation from individual reference values. It is suggested that the analytical S.D. should not exceed half the S.D. of the in-tra-individual “error-free” biological variation observed when specimens are drawn under carefully standardized conditions.

Key Words:

• accuracy
• analytical variation
• biological variation
• precision
• reference values