Measurement performance goals: How they can be estimated and a view to managing them

Abstract Results of measurements of quantities in laboratory medicine are used for diagnosis, prediction and monitoring of disease. Evaluation of results is based on evidence and practical experience. In both cases consistency and transferability of results is needed. For diagnosis and prediction a result is compared to a reference value or reference interval whereas in monitoring it is more important to compare results of measurements with previous results. The analytical goals may therefore vary depending on the intended use of the results and both trueness and precision will need to be considered. The analytical goals may also be influenced by the disease characteristics. A brief review of available methods and principles will be given.

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