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Related Concept Videos

Uncertainty in Measurement: Reading Instruments02:46

Uncertainty in Measurement: Reading Instruments

Counting is the type of measurement that is free from uncertainty, provided the number of objects being counted does not change during the process. Such measurements result in exact numbers. By counting the eggs in a carton, for instance, one can determine exactly how many eggs are there in the carton. Similarly, the numbers of defined quantities are also exact. For example, 1 foot is exactly 12 inches, 1 inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters, and 1 gram is exactly 0.001 kilograms. Quantities...
Uncertainty in Measurement: Accuracy and Precision03:37

Uncertainty in Measurement: Accuracy and Precision

Scientists typically make repeated measurements of a quantity to ensure the quality of their findings and to evaluate both the precision and the accuracy of their results. Measurements are said to be precise if they yield very similar results when repeated in the same manner. A measurement is considered accurate if it yields a result that is very close to the true or the accepted value. Precise values agree with each other; accurate values agree with a true value.
Uncertainty in Measurement: Significant Figures03:34

Uncertainty in Measurement: Significant Figures

All the digits in a measurement, including the uncertain last digit, are called significant figures or significant digits. Note that zero may be a measured value; for example, if a scale that shows weight to the nearest pound reads “140,” then the 1 (hundreds), 4 (tens), and 0 (ones) are all significant (measured) values.
Uncertainty: Overview00:59

Uncertainty: Overview

In analytical chemistry, we often perform repetitive measurements to detect and minimize inaccuracies caused by both determinate and indeterminate errors. Despite the cares we take, the presence of random errors means that repeated measurements almost never have exactly the same magnitude. The collective difference between these measurements - observed values - and the estimated or expected value is called uncertainty. Uncertainty is conventionally written after the estimated or expected value.
Random and Systematic Errors01:20

Random and Systematic Errors

Scientists always try their best to record measurements with the utmost accuracy and precision. However, sometimes errors do occur. These errors can be random or systematic. Random errors are observed due to the inconsistency or fluctuation in the measurement process, or variations in the quantity itself that is being measured. Such errors fluctuate from being greater than or less than the true value in repeated measurements. Consider a scientist measuring the length of an earthworm using a...
Random and Systematic Errors01:20

Random and Systematic Errors

Scientists always try their best to record measurements with the utmost accuracy and precision. However, sometimes errors do occur. These errors can be random or systematic. Random errors are observed due to the inconsistency or fluctuation in the measurement process, or variations in the quantity itself that is being measured. Such errors fluctuate from being greater than or less than the true value in repeated measurements. Consider a scientist measuring the length of an earthworm using a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Split Point Analysis and Uncertainty Quantification of Thermal-Optical Organic/Elemental Carbon Measurements
10:22

Split Point Analysis and Uncertainty Quantification of Thermal-Optical Organic/Elemental Carbon Measurements

Published on: September 7, 2019

[Uncertainty of measurement].

C Giroud, J Arnaud, A Vassault

    Annales De Biologie Clinique
    |May 27, 2011
    PubMed
    Summary

    Medical laboratories must evaluate measurement uncertainty as per ISO 15189. This guide offers simple methods for uncertainty evaluation using available data, highlighting its importance.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Laboratory Science
    • Analytical Chemistry

    Context:

    • The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189 standard mandates the assessment of measurement uncertainty in medical laboratories.
    • Accurate and reliable medical laboratory results are critical for patient diagnosis and treatment.
    • Existing methods for uncertainty evaluation can be complex for routine laboratory use.

    Purpose:

    • To provide practical recommendations for a simplified evaluation of measurement uncertainty.
    • To demonstrate the value and feasibility of uncertainty determination using commonly available laboratory data.
    • To support medical laboratories in meeting ISO 15189 requirements for uncertainty assessment.

    Summary:

    • This document outlines a straightforward approach to evaluating measurement uncertainty in medical laboratories.

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    Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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    Published on: September 7, 2019

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  • It utilizes data typically available from routine laboratory operations.
  • The recommendations aim to make uncertainty evaluation more accessible and practical for laboratory professionals.

    • Impact:

    • Enhances the reliability and quality of medical laboratory testing.
    • Facilitates compliance with international standards like ISO 15189.
    • Improves confidence in diagnostic results, ultimately benefiting patient care.