Focus on Global Terminology

This month’s terms:

• Measurand:  particular quantity subject to measurement (VIM93-2.6)
• Analyte:  component represented in the name of a measurable quantity (ISO 17511)
  NOTE:
  The analyte is the item of interest to the ordering physician; the measurand is the item that is actually measured (for example, an analyte of interest is alkaline phosphatase, but the measurand is the enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase at 37 oC).

For complete details on these and other internationally accepted terms, access NCCLS’s Harmonized Terminology Database.  In the database, find standard, internationally preferred terms and definitions, related terms, terms that are not acceptable in the international standards community, and illustrative notes and examples. [ return to top ]