Dichotomous assays

Use Dichotomous assay documents to calculate relative potencies of Test samples based on binary input values, such as the fraction of specimen that exhibits one of two possible responses. If you provide information on the stock solutions or raw materials, you can also determine absolute potencies based on several types of calculations.

About this document type

Dichotomous assays (quantal response assays or binary assays) are biological dilution assays based on a binary outcome. They analyze data you collect in binary form: Of a total number of specimen (n), a measurable number of specimen (m) shows a specified response while the rest does not show this response. You provide both n and m for analysis.

Note: Dichotomous assays differ from Quantitative response assays in that the dichotomous response is measured as all or none (responded versus did not respond), while the quantitative response is measured on a continuous scale provided, for example, by light absorbance or fluorescence.

Dichotomous assays require at least one Standard sample (reference) and one Test or Control sample to calculate potency. They usually involve a range of assay elements with data measured at different dilutions (or concentrations) of the active ingredient. You can use the logit or probit method to calculate relative potencies.

Tip: You can identify assays of this document type by the icon in the upper right corner of the Content editor.

Document structure

Each Dichotomous assay document has three default sections, that is, Documentation, Setup, and Analysis, plus an optional Settings and one or more Comment sections.

Figure 1. Sections of a Dichotomous assay document displayed in the Content editor
Section Description

Documentation

Lets you provide information on operators, analyte, reagents, and equipment.

Setup

Contains all properties related to observation data and measurement such as dilution steps and response values.

Analysis

Defines how assays perform the statistical analysis.

Settings

Define how you want to graphically display assay results.

Comment

Add extra information to your assay. The PDF reports display the comments you add on the first page.