Example Materials for Laboratory Analysts and Industry Technical Personnel

The proper use of statistics in method validation studies continues to be a problem [1]. One practical solution is to provide data analysis tools that are specifically designed for each method validation experiment. Here are some web-materials that illustrate how this can be done.

The Data Analysis Tool Kit
The idea that "statistics are tools" is developed in the lesson "MV - The data analysis tool kit." This lesson shows the tools that are appropriate for use with the data from different method validation experiments. The tools provide both statistical calculations and graphical displays.

Internet Tools
As part of this lesson, Internet tools are provided on this website. These tools allow you to enter the experimental data, which is then sent to the server to perform the data calculations and prepare the graphical display, which are then sent to your computer screen. Example sets of data have been provided, which can be quickly loaded into the tools to demonstrate how they work.

References

1. Westgard JO. Points of care in using statistics in method comparison studies. Clin Chem 1998;44:2240-2242.