Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
A Two-interval Forced-choice Task for Multisensory Comparisons
Published on: November 9, 2018
A mathematical procedure to estimate the impact of a change in method on discordance or misclassification at a
Robert L Schmidt1, Michal A Kordy2, Jonathan R Genzen1
1Department of Pathology and ARUP Laboratories, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
Background:
Laboratories often adopt new methods. It would be useful to have a statistical procedure to estimate the incremental impact of a change in assay.
Methods:
Mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and case example.
Results:
We derived equations to estimate the proportion of discordant results that can be attributed to the new laboratory method. The calculations were demonstrated by comparing eGFR values based on creatinine values determined using the enzymatic method (existing method) and Jaffe method (new method). The discordance rate at the 60 ml/min eGFR decision limit was 3.15%. In this example, we estimated that 60% of the discordant results could be attributed to the Jaffe method.
Conclusion:
The sources of discordance in a laboratory method comparison study can be divided into three categories: The baseline discordance due to imprecision in the established method, the incremental discordance due to imprecision in the new method, and lack of analytical specificity. Discordance due to imprecision can be attributed to each individual method. Discordance due to bias can be attributed to individual methods if information is available to estimate the rate of biased observations in either method. Such information can be used to estimate the incremental cost effectiveness associated with the adoption of a new method.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:15Data Validation
Key parameters for method validation include:
01:19Testing a Claim about Standard Deviation
The hypothesis testing for the claim of population standard deviation (or variance) requires the data and samples to be random and unbiased. The population distribution also must be normal. There is no specific requirement on the sample size as the estimation is based on the chi-square distribution.
As a first step, the hypothesis (null and alternative) concerning the claim about...
01:15Systematic Error: Methodological and Sampling Errors
Sampling errors originate from improper sampling methods or the wrong sample population. These errors can be minimized by refining the sampling strategy. Defective instruments or faulty calibrations are the sources of instrumental...
01:14Decision Making: Traditional Method
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is decided based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to this claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses, out of which a null hypothesis would be a...
01:05Difference from Background: Limit of Detection
The LOD indicates the presence or absence...
01:09Comparing Experimental Results: Student's t-Test