In flow cytometry, what assessment is made to determine intra-assay precision?

Intra-assay precision in flow cytometry refers to the consistency of results obtained from repeated testing of the same sample or the same batch of samples under identical conditions. This measurement is crucial because it reflects the reliability and reproducibility of the assay when conducted in a controlled environment, helping to ensure that any variations in results are minimal and within acceptable limits.

When evaluating intra-assay precision, one typically analyzes the results from multiple measurements of the same population, calculating metrics such as the coefficient of variation. This way, researchers can determine the extent to which the results fluctuate from one test to another within the same assay, thereby ensuring that the findings are valid and can be confidently interpreted.

Other options do not specifically address intra-assay precision. The average variation of different sample types pertains more to inter-assay variability, while sensitivity and specificity refer to how well the assay detects a target and distinguishes it from non-targets, not the consistency of results from repetitive measures.