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Decision Cutoff

Definition

A threshold defined for a particular assay and interpretation purpose. A cutoff separates stated result categories under a particular validated protocol. Its meaning depends on the target, controls and purpose of the assay.

Context
Assay interpretation

For example, a reading near an assay’s decision boundary may require a protocol-defined repeat or interpretation rather than an arbitrary rounding decision.

A threshold from one test cannot automatically be transferred to another. Values near the boundary may require the protocol’s repeat or inconclusive-result provisions.

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