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Problems with standard curves
Reading unknown values from a linear regression line is completely straightforward. Reading unknown values from a curve is subject to the following potential problems:
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Prism can only read unknowns off the standard curve within the range of the standard curve. If you enter an unknown value that is larger than the highest standard or smaller than the lowest standard, Prism will not try to determine the concentration unless you fit the standard curve with linear regression. You should interpret these extrapolations cautiously. With nonlinear regression, Prism only will perform standard curve calculations within the limits that the curve is defined. But you can extend the curve in both directions, to include lower and higher X values. Do this from the Output options dialog - press Output from the nonlinear regression parameters dialog. |
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If you calculate X from Y, beware of a possible ambiguity. It is possible that two or more points on the curve have identical Y values but different X values. In this situation, Prism will report the lowest of the X values within the range of the standard curve, and will not warn you that other answers exist. |
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You will get more accurate results if you define the curve with more line segments. Prism defines a curve as a large number of points. To find unknown values, Prism linearly interpolates between the two points on either side of the unknown value. If you define the curve with more line segments, the interpolation will be more accurate. To increase the number of line segments, click Output from the nonlinear regression parameters dialog. |
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