Four different methods are described for validating the results of a particular analysis. Indicate for each whether the method primarily checks the accuracy of the analysis or the precision of the analysis.

a. Five aliquots of the same sample are injected for gas chromatographic analysis by one person on the same day.

i. Accuracy

ii. Precision

b. A known amount of analyte is added to an aliquot of the sample and analyzed with sample.

i. Accuracy

ii. Precision

c. Aliquots from a blood sample are sent to three separate laboratories for analysis using the same method.

i. Accuracy

ii. Precision

d. Identical standard are analyzed by two different methods.

i. Accuracy

ii. Precision

a) Precision

b) Accuracy

c) Accuracy and precision

d) Accuracy

Explanation:

When an experiment is done more than once to determine if the results are statistically ok, two forms of the validations are possible the accuracy and precision. When the values of the various experiments are close to the known value, then they are accurate. When the values are close to each other they are precise. So, sometimes the results are precise but are not accurate, and vice-versa.

a) Here, the person wants to find if the 5 aliquots will have close results, so, he or she is looking for precision.

b) Here the amount of analyte is already known, and the person wants to identify if the value will be the same when analyzed together with another sample, thus he or she is looking for accuracy.

c) Here the three results will be compared with each other (precision) and with the standard value of the method (accuracy).

d) The methods will be tested, and the values will be compared with the standard known value, so the person is looking for accuracy.