Comparing biomarker measurements to a normal range: when to use standard error of the mean (SEM) or standard deviation (SD) confidence intervals tests

Abstract

This commentary is the second of a series outlining one specific concept in interpreting biomarkers data. In the first, an observational method was presented for assessing the distribution of measurements before making parametric calculations. Here, the discussion revolves around the next step, the choice of using standard error of the mean or the calculated standard deviation to compare or predict measurement results

• Confidence interval
• sample size
• standard error
• statistics

Acknowledgements

The author is thankful for expert advice and insights from colleagues, especially Dr Jon Sobus from US EPA and Dr Matthew Stiegel from Duke University.

Declaration of interest

This work was reviewed by the U.S. EPA and approved for publication. The author declares he has no competing financial interests.