Goals of a reference system
The Goals of a reference system are
- To establish worldwide compatibility of clinical measurements.
- To evaluate the performance of routine laboratories on an objective basis within systems of QC and QA.
- To permit the evaluation of accuracy of analytical systems for routine use
Definition of a reference method
- A method which after exhaustive investigations has been shown to have negligible inaccuracy in comparison with its imprecision.
ButtnerJ et al. Clin Chem Clin Biochem 1980; 18:69-77.
- A thoroughly investigated method, clearly and exactly describing the necessary conditions and procedures, for the measurement of one or more property values that has been shown to have accuracy and precision commensurate with its intended use and that can therefore be used to assess the accuracy of other methods for the same measurement, particularly in permitting the characterization of a reference material.
International Organization for Standardization. ISO Guide 30. 2nd Ed. Geneva: ISO, 1992.
- A technique that can be accomplished with generally available equipment and that, after exhaustive investigation, has been shown to have acceptable known inaccuracy in comparison with a definitive method.