Method comparison--a different approach

The commonly accepted method of analysing data from method comparison studies is regression analysis, a method which has limitations. This study illustrates the use of a graphical presentation of data, the difference plot, which can be used as an alternative to least squares regression analysis. The data from comparison studies performed on five methods were analysed both by Deming's regression analysis, with calculation of the correlation coefficient, and by the difference plot. The results show that in most cases much more relevant information was obtained from the difference plot.