What does reliability measure in laboratory analysis?

Reliability in laboratory analysis specifically refers to the consistency of measurements. When a test or measurement is reliable, it produces consistent results under the same conditions over repeated trials. In practical terms, this means if a laboratory test is repeated multiple times under the same circumstances, the outcomes should be similar and reproducible. This is crucial in a laboratory setting because it indicates that the method or procedure is stable and dependable.

Reliability is distinct from other concepts such as accuracy, which refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, or precision, that indicates the degree of variation in repeated measurements. While reliability ensures that measurements can be repeated reliably, it does not necessarily confirm that those measurements are correct. In summary, a reliable measurement method is fundamental in laboratory analyses, as it provides assurance that results can be trusted for making critical clinical decisions or evaluations.