Uncertainty of measurement results

Summary

Uncertainty is an unavoidable part of every measurement result. It expresses the fact that we are unable to make absolutely precise measurements. That is why measurement results are not (cannot be) just a single number or value. Measurement results are always intervals (range of values) within which the true value lies with certain probability. The uncertainty approach represents not only the current view of the measurement theory (metrology) regarding the process of measurement and measurement results, but it is also implemented in all modern standards and quality management systems. Knowledge of the uncertainty of the measurement result provides both the subject performing the measurement and the customer (the result recipient) a basic idea regarding the quality of the result. This text aims to clarify the concept of measurement result uncertainty and how its existence is reflected in the routine work of doctors and laboratories.

Keywords:

measurement – result – uncertainty