What do confidence limits define?

Confidence limits specifically define the lower and upper boundaries of a confidence interval, which is a key concept in statistics. A confidence interval provides an estimate of the range within which a population parameter, such as a mean, is likely to fall, given a certain level of confidence (often 95% or 99%).

When calculating a confidence interval, one often derives the point estimate (for example, the sample mean) and then applies a statistical method to determine how much variability or uncertainty there is around that estimate. The resulting confidence limits provide the specific lower and upper values that form the interval around this estimate.

This understanding is crucial in fields such as medical laboratory science, where determining the reliability and precision of test results is essential. Proper interpretation of confidence intervals allows professionals to make informed decisions based on statistical data, thus aiding in accurate diagnoses and outcomes in healthcare.