Biomarker accuracy: exploring the truth

“In the field of biomarkers, the ability to demonstrate accuracy is more challenging than in other analytical disciplines because the analytes are endogenous, heterogeneous and often structurally different from the calibrator.” The American theologian, writer and minister, Tryon Edwards once said, “Accuracy of statement is one of the first elements of truth; inaccuracy is a near kin to falsehood.” The same statement could be substituted for analytical measurements. The real question is how to define ‘truth’. Is it recovery of a spiked sample using a known quantity of analyte? Is it agreement with another method? Or is it quantifying a...