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By Dr. Pramod Kr. Pandey - May 2, 2025

Dr. Pramod Kr. Pandey is a distinguished Analytical Research Expert with over three decades of extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He has contributed his expertise to both leading Indian and global pharmaceutical companies, consistently driving innovation and excellence in analytical research

Accuracy in Analytical Method Validation is one of the most critical parameters, directly impacting the reliability and credibility of test results. It ensures that the method measures exactly what it is intended to, without bias or error. In this article, we will explore how to perform accuracy testing in analytical method validation, supported by step-by-step […]

How To Perform Accuracy In Analytical Method Validation: Calculation and Case Studies

Accuracy in Analytical Method Validation is one of the most critical parameters, directly impacting the reliability and credibility of test results. It ensures that the method measures exactly what it is intended to, without bias or error. In this article, we will explore how to perform accuracy testing in analytical method validation, supported by step-by-step calculations and real-world case studies. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced analyst, this guide will help you enhance your understanding and confidently apply accuracy testing in both method development and validation processes.

Accuracy In Analytical Method Validation: How To Perform and Calculate Accurately

  • Accuracy is determined by deviation from the linearity
  • It is calculated at 50%, 100% and 150% of the specification limit
  • Prepare at least five concentration between QL or 50% to 150% of the specification limit of the analyte
  • Inject 50%, 100% and 150% concentrations in triplicate and inject other concentration in singlets and generate the chromatograms
  • Note down the area response of each concentration
  • Plot the linearity graph between concentrations (at X-axis) and their corresponding area response (at Y axis)
  • Calculate slope (m), intercept (c) and correlation coefficient (R2) using MS-Excel.
  • Calculate concentration for each area response using the following formula :
Accuracy In Analytical Method Validation

where: m is slope, x is the concentration, c is the intercept and y is the area response

  • Calculate the accuracy at each concentration using the following formulae
Accuracy In Analytical Method Validation
Accuracy calculation formula

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Case studies: Accuracy In Analytical Method Validation

A drug substance D having the following specifications for related substances:

  • Isomer I NMT: 1.0%

Sample concentration is 1.0mg/ml.

Standard preparation for Accuracy calculation

Since sample concentration is mg/ml or 1000 mcg/ml. The concentration of Isomer I at

  • 50% will be 1000 x 0.5/100 = 5 mcg/ml
  • 75% will be 1000 x 0.75/100 = 7.5 mcg/ml
  • 100% will be 1000 x 1/100 = 10 mcg/ml
  • 125% will be 1000 x 0.5/100 = 12.5 mcg/ml
  • 150% will be 1000 x 1.5/100 = 15 mcg/ml

Use the above concentration to determine m (slope), c (intercept) and accuracy

Procedure for calculating m and c

  • Inject 5 mcg/ml, 10 mcg/ml and 15 mcg/ml solutions in triplicate and remaining 7.5mcg/ml and 12.5mcg/ml solutions in singlets. Generate the chromatogram.
  • Note down the area response
  • Plot the linearity graph between concentrations x (at X-axis) and their corresponding area response y (at Y axis)
  • Calculate slope (m), intercept (c) and correlation coefficient (R2) using MS-Excel.
Concentration (mcg/ml)Area response
5154570
7.5231850
10309160
12.5386423
15463710
R21
Slope (m)30914.12
Intercept (c)1.4

Procedure for calculating x for each y using equation y= mx + c

  • Calculate concentration for each y (area response) using the following formula :
    • y= mx + c or
    • x = (y-c)/m, where: m is slope, x is the concentration, c is the intercept and y is the area response

For y = 154570, x will be ( 231850 – 1.4)/30914.12 =5.0 mcg/ml

For y = 154600, x will be ( 154600 – 1.4)/30914.12 =5.0 mcg/ml

For y = 154200, x will be ( 154200 – 1.4)/30914.12 = 4.9 mcg/ml

and

For y = 309160, x will be ( 309160 – 1.4)/30914.12 =10 mcg/ml

For y = 463710, x will be ( 463710 – 1.4)/30914.12 =15.11 mcg/ml and similarly x can be calculated for other y (area response as well

Procedure for calculating accuracy

Calculate the accuracy at each concentration using the following formulae

Accuracy = (Calculated concentration/True concentration) x 100

Concentration levelTrue concentrationCalculated concertationAccuracy
50%5.25.096.2%
50%5.25.096.2
50%5.24.994.23
Average95.54
Average deviation102.04

Conclusion: Average deviation is less than 2.0% and hence method complies the accuracy test

Note: Similarly accuracy can also be calculated at 100% and 150% level

Conclusion

Accuracy is a key parameter in analytical method validation, requiring both technical knowledge and practical experience to perform effectively.
We hope this article has clarified your doubts and given you the confidence to independently carry out accuracy testing during method development and validation.

If you have any suggestions or feedback regarding this article, feel free to share them in the comments section. For further assistance, you may also reach out via the contact form.

You may also want to check out other articles on my blog, such as:

References

  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0099542805320090
  • https://database.ich.org/sites/default/files/Q2%28R1%29%20Guideline.pdf

Abbreviations

  • mcg: microgram
  • ml: milli liter
  • QL: Quantitation limit

FAQs

How do you perform accuracy in Analytical method validation?

Accuracy is performed at 50%, 100% and 150% of the specification level. Standard solution is injected in triplicate at each level. Concentration is calculated using equation y = mx +c. Accuracy is calculated using formula: Accuracy = (calculated concentration/true concentration) x 100

In which case accuracy is performed?

Accuracy is performed for Active pharmaceutical ingredients or its stages. It is not applicable for dosages forms.

Disclaimer: The numerical data used in the tables or calculations are not actual data. It is designed to explain the topic.

About Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey
Dr. Pramod Kr. Pandey

Dr. Pramod Kr. Pandey is a distinguished Analytical Research Expert with over three decades of extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He has contributed his expertise to both leading Indian and global pharmaceutical companies, consistently driving innovation and excellence in analytical research

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