Each chapter starts with Run this study, a one-page guide to take to the bench. To start a study, choose New study, enter the analyte and unit, pick the study type and choose Create study. The tables below give each study type's name and group in that list.
Before collecting results#
Set your acceptance limits before you collect. A specimen measured five times is one specimen with five replicates; the guides count both.
Collect what the guide's suggested plan gives. The calculation minimum is the least data the software can calculate from, not a collection plan. The example downloads show the file layout only.
Methods and sources explains the calculations, their sources and how they were checked.
The four steps every study follows#
Set up → Data → Results → Report. Each stage tab shows whether it needs input, is ready, is done or is out of date. The main button in the study header names the next step.
- Set up. Read the Collection plan, check Study details, set Acceptance limits and fill in the study type's own settings. See Study setup.
- Data. Choose Import a file or Add row. Blank template (CSV) and Run this study are at the top of the stage. In a row's Correct / exclude column, open the row to correct a value or to exclude it (an exclusion needs a reason). See Entering data.
- Results. Choose Calculate results, or Recalculate results after a change. Results opens with the verdict and Why. See Calculating results.
- Report. Read the report, then choose Download PDF or Print. A report prints with blank Signed off by and Date lines to sign by hand; Sign off fills them in. See The study report.
Precision, bias and linearity#
| Chapter | Study type in New study | Typical data |
|---|---|---|
| Descriptive summary | Descriptive summary under Summaries | Any list of results |
| Repeatability | Repeatability under Precision | One material measured repeatedly in one run |
| Multi-day precision | Multi-day precision under Precision | Material, day, run, replicate, result |
| Bias against an assigned value | Bias check under Comparison and bias | Repeated results on a material with an assigned value |
| Linearity | Linearity under Measuring range | Expected concentration and measured result |
| Dilution verification | Dilution verification under Measuring range | Measured result with volumes or dilution factor |
| Derived sigma | Sigma metric under Summaries | TEa, bias and imprecision at each concentration |
Method, instrument and lot comparison#
| Chapter | Study type in New study | Typical data |
|---|---|---|
| Method comparison | Method comparison under Comparison and bias | Specimen, comparative result (x), test result (y) |
| Instrument comparison | Instrument comparison under Comparison and bias | Specimen, instrument, result |
| Reagent lot comparison | Reagent lot comparison under Comparison and bias | Specimen, lot, result |
| Qualitative agreement | Qualitative agreement under Qualitative tests | Specimen, comparative result, test result |
Reference ranges and detection limits#
| Chapter | Study type in New study | Typical data |
|---|---|---|
| Reference interval verification | Verify a reference interval under Reference intervals | Subject, result |
| Reference interval establishment | Establish a reference interval under Reference intervals | Subject, result, optional partition |
| Detection limits | Detection limits under Measuring range | Material, role (blank or low), result |
| Near-cutoff precision | Near-cutoff precision under Qualitative tests | Sample, concentration, result category |
Stability, carryover and interference#
| Chapter | Study type in New study | Typical data |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Stability under Sample and material effects | Material, storage condition, elapsed time, result |
| Carryover | Carryover under Sample and material effects | Run, sequence position, role, material, result |
| Interference | Interference under Sample and material effects | Pool, role, interferent concentration, result |
Before you choose#
For an ADM QC export, use QC targets (ADM export) in the Tools menu to prepare targets and compare instruments from your QC records.
- A study's design is fixed once it has data or a calculation. For a different question, start a new study. See Choosing a study.