In the context of reference interval vs reportable range, which statement is correct about the reportable range?

• A. reportable interval: normal value
• B. reportable range: linearity; accuracy verification
• C. reportable interval: linearity; accuracy verification
• D. reportable range: normal value

Answer: (B)

In clinical testing, the reportable range is the span of analyte concentrations that the assay can report with acceptable accuracy and precision. The key part of validating this range is checking linearity—ensuring the instrument’s response is proportional to concentration across that range—and verifying accuracy so measured values are close to the true values. The reference interval, on the other hand, describes what is considered normal in a healthy population, not the range over which the assay remains reliable. So describing the reportable range as involving linearity and accuracy verification best captures how this range is defined and validated.