title: Verification of reference ranges by using a Monte Carlo sampling technique.
abstract: We have investigated the application of Monte Carlo significance tests to the verification of reference ranges in the context of the transfer of an established range from one laboratory to another. Here we present an introduction to the Monte Carlo technique, outline a procedure for performing these tests using a commercially available software program, and demonstrate some of the operating characteristics of the tests when they are used to compare samples of different sizes and variances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153.
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Kahn
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Molnar
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Bermes
mesh_terms: D002624:Chemistry, Clinical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D014527:Uric Acid