Problems with estimating reference change values (critical differences).

ABSTRACT

The concept of reference change values (RCVs) for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases has become well established. Several models habe been developed, e. g. one assuming a normal distribution and another one for a log-normal distribution. RCV values calculated for some measurands with both models are compared with each other and led to similar results. A few examples led to RCV values which are not plausible for diagnostic purposes. Although statistical concepts of RCV values are well established, their clinical relevance remains questionable at least for some measurands. Studies with clinicians are required whether RCVs are of practical usefulness.