Linearity and calibration. A clinical laboratory perspective.
This article discusses the relationship of calibration and linearity using the example of glutaraldehyde assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Assuming adequate precision and a lack of interference, the relationship of calibration to a method's linear range becomes all important to achieving quality analytical results. Linearity is an objective description of the relationship between a quantitative method's final answer and true analyte concentration. Calibration brings this relationship into correspondence with calibrator concentration. The reportable range is that range within which a specified method produces results within defined allowable error without resorting to dilution of the specimen. The reportable range assumes a linear relationship between true analyte concentration and analytical results.
Passey
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RB
Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City 73034.
Maluf
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KC
D002138:Calibration; D002624:Chemistry, Clinical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods; D005976:Glutaral / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D016014:Linear Models; D012016:Reference Values
D005976:Glutaral