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Method comparisons with quantitative data I: a look at basic summaries

Stephen MacDonald moves on from consideration of the various factors that need investigation before implementation of an assay, to focus here on data collection, basic graphing techniques, and some routine statistical methods.

In the first three articles in this series we focused on designing the method comparison study, and what we need to consider to evidence comparability robustly. In the next three articles we will move onto quantitative data. This will involve setting up data collection before we get to analysis.

            We mentioned previously that preparation of the study comprises 80% of the work. If done right, the analysis stage is simple, if not it can be very difficult and take a disproportionate length of time. This is particularly true if coming back to the data after a short break, and even more so if some poor, unfortunate individual is tasked with picking up the analysis from where you left off.

            To this end we will begin with my suggestion of a framework for setting up data analysis in the laboratory. This applies to any data analysis, not just method comparisons. To supplement this article, I have developed an online course, available at pathologymu.com. There are two for this article, and they are both free to readers of Pathology in Practice. Please send feedback if you find them useful.

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Upcoming Events

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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