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On the use of consensus means as assigned values

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Abstract

An assigned value can be derived by using either a consensus mean or a reference value. It is up to the proficiency testing provider to decide whether the consensus mean or the reference value might be used. If the consensus mean is used, it must be ensured that there really exists a consensus. This requirement is fulfilled if the participants’ results are not biased on average, and there is an agreement between the results with a precision which is fit for the intended use. The best way to avoid potentially “biased” assigned values is to use reference values thus ensuring that the assigned value is close to the “true” value.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. AQS Baden-Württemberg, Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management, University of Stuttgart, Bandtäle 2, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany

    Michael Koch & Frank Baumeister

Authors
  1. Michael Koch
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  2. Frank Baumeister
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Correspondence to Michael Koch.

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Koch, M., Baumeister, F. On the use of consensus means as assigned values. Accred Qual Assur 17, 395–398 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-012-0884-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-012-0884-4

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