Requirements for the estimation of measurement of uncertainty

All types of measurements have some inaccuracies, which means that measurement results can only be estimates of the quantities being measured. Measurement uncertainty provides quantitative estimates of the level of confidence that a laboratory has in the analytical precision of test results, and is an essential component of a quality system for medical laboratories.

This document provides guidance for pathology laboratories on an acceptable degree of variation in measurements. It provides a diverse range of examples for the different disciplines of pathology to consider when estimating measurement.

Main sections:

- Principles and relevance of measurement uncertainty

- Measurement uncertainty and traceability

- Measurement uncertainty and bias

- Guide to uncertainty in measurement and medical testing

- Sources of uncertainty and the interpretation of patient results

- Standard

- Guidelines

- Measurands

- Imprecision

- Bias

- Measurement uncertainty goals

- Measurement uncertainty outcomes

- Numerical significance

- Clinical applications

- Appendices