Analytical Errors & Rules...

Question 1

Quality of Lab Test Results depends upon:

Answer 1

• patient information
• sample collection
• test methods used
  => subject to variability in measurements due to analytical errors in accuracy & precision
• these all affect interpretation of test results for medical decisions *

Question 2

Random error

Answer 2

• a measure of precision; occasional error of no set pattern

- increased random error = increases spread of data

Question 3

Systematic error

Answer 3

• a measure of accuracy
• constant/continuous error of a set pattern = shift
  => bias to one side of the mean
• constant error vs proportional error

Question 4

constant error

Answer 4

error amount is the same independent of the observed value

Question 5

proportional error

Answer 5

error amount increases with increase in the observed value