title: A simplified method for estimating mean values of multiple specimens.
abstract: Determination of the correct average content of a constituent in multiple specimens requires measurements of concentration and volume of each specimen. We have evaluated a simplified method by which the mean content is estimated from one concentration determination and the total volume of the specimens. The greatest possible deviation from the correct mean value can be estimated, and is shown in diagrams. It is demonstrated that a simplified method can often be used with little loss of accuracy. The method is exemplified by measurements of lipid and biliary acids in faeces from healthy subjects and from patients with Crohn's disease.
mesh_terms: D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000032:analysis; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D005243:Feces / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008722:Methods
chemical_list: D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D008055:Lipids