What are Common Sources of Systematic Errors in Toxicology?
Several factors can introduce systematic errors in toxicology. Some common sources include:
Instrument Calibration: Instruments used for measuring chemical concentrations must be accurately calibrated. Miscalibration can consistently skew results, leading to erroneous data. Experimental Design: Poorly designed experiments can introduce bias. For example, not accounting for all variables or using a non-representative sample can lead to systematic errors. Human Bias: Investigator bias in interpreting data or selecting samples can introduce systematic errors. This is particularly relevant in studies where subjective judgment plays a role. Environmental Conditions: Factors such as temperature, humidity, and pressure can affect chemical reactions. Consistent deviations in these conditions can lead to systematic errors.
