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Metrology and protometrology: the ordinal question

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Abstract

Laboratory medicine provides results for quantities as well as for properties having no magnitude. The terminology of the latter is less well established and sources are contradictory. Two recent papers on “protometrology” published in this journal offer an opportunity to discuss the necessary concept systems. The delineations of “metrology” versus “protometrology”, “observation” versus “measurement”, and the generic division of “property” are examined with emphasis on avoiding conflict with the International Vocabulary of Metrology. It is suggested that having “examination” as a top generic concept coupled with systematic modifiers for division, especially ‘nominal’ and ‘ordinal’, is a preferable terminological solution.

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Notes

  1. Concepts are indicated by double quotation marks when necessary, terms and quotes by single.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Standardisation in Laboratory Medicine, REGION H Frederiksberg Hospital, DK-2000, Frederiksberg, Denmark

    René Dybkaer

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  1. René Dybkaer
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Papers published in this section do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editors, the Editorial Board and the Publisher.

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Dybkaer, R. Metrology and protometrology: the ordinal question. Accred Qual Assur 12, 553–557 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-007-0266-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-007-0266-5

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