Reference methods as a basis for accurate measuring systems.

Reference methods, as part of a reference system, are essential for improving the accuracy of routine methods. They can help to establish worldwide compatibility of clinical chemical measurements and they provide an objective basis for quality control measures. The subject of analytical errors is treated in detail, then the concept of reference methods is developed. This review emphasizes the fundamental metrological aspects of reference methods and reference measurement technology. An overview is given of the most important analytical principles used for reference methods in clinical chemistry. The particular problems of reference methods for the determination of the catalytic activity concentration of enzymes are outside the scope of this review.