What is the difference between linear range, dynamic range and quantitative range?
There is some confusion about the definitions of the dynamic range, linear range and quantitative range of an assay. For some manufacturers/users all these terms are used meaning the same thing, sometimes they define completely different ranges. At SMD we follow the NCCLS guidelines in terminology and study design. Our interpretation of the terms is described below. The performance characteristics of an assay depend on: – How the sample is prepared, e.g. which input and output volumes are used (concentration factor), removal of inhibitors as well as the DNA/RNA recovery in sample preparation.Sample preparation accounts for a considerable portion of the imprecision of the system. – Robustness of the PCR system. Note: To obtain performance characteristics data for the complete assay sample preparation has to be included in the performance studies. If PCR fragments (e.g. a DNA quantitation standard) are used in the study performance data are only generated for the PCR system alone. These
