How do you calculate total analytical error for a sample concentration?

Total analytical error is an essential concept in clinical chemistry, as it determines the reliability and accuracy of test results. To calculate total analytical error for a sample concentration, one must take into account both systematic error and random error.

Systematic error, which may arise from instrument bias or calibration issues, consistently skews results in a particular direction, while random error results from unpredictable fluctuations in measurements, such as variations in reagents or environmental conditions. By adding these two types of error together, you obtain the total analytical error, which reflects the overall uncertainty associated with a measurement.

This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the accuracy of analytical results and highlights the contributions of different sources of error, thus making it crucial for quality control in clinical settings. Consulting only averages, standard deviations, or regression lines would not yield a complete assessment of the total analytical error, as they do not capture both systematic and random components collectively.