Pharmaceutical Statistics Using SAS

4.3. Response Function or Calibration Curve

The response function for an analytical procedure is the existing relationship, within a specified range, between the response (signal, e.g., area under the curve, peak height, absorption) and the concentration (quantity) of the analyte in the sample. The calibration curve should be described preferably by a simple monotonic response function that gives accurate measurements. Note that the response function is frequently confused with the linearity criteria. However, the later criterion refers to the relationship between the quantity introduced and the quantity back-calculated from the calibration curve (see Section 4.4). Because of the confusion, it is common to see laboratory analysts try very hard ...