Pooling data when analyzing biomarkers subject to a limit of detection

Methods Mol Biol. 2008:477:421-6. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60327-517-0_31.

Abstract

The use of biomarkers to assess exposure and investigate biomedical questions is common in epidemiology. The usefulness of biomarker research, however, is contingent upon the ability to achieve a complete understanding of the role they play within a population. In estimating distributional parameters for a particular biomarker, such as oxidative stress or antioxidant markers, scientists face two main challenges: overcoming the cost of performing a large number of assays and dealing with data subject to a limit of detection. While approaches have been suggested to deal with each of these issues individually, pooling is a strategy that can address both problems.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Biometry / methods*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Models, Statistical

Substances

  • Biomarkers