Types of analytical information and their mutual relationships

We propose a global approach to the different types of output that (bio)chemical measurement processes can provide. We define and classify various types of required and delivered analytical information, including quantitative results, yes/no binary responses, method-defined parameters, arbitrary numbers, total indices and discrete-analyte results, according to three different criteria, namely:
• the value of the result;
• the method that provides it; and,
• its assignation to chemical species.These criteria are mutually related, and a sound knowledge of their specific relationships is crucial with a view to understanding and properly managing chemical information, which is the ultimate outcome of analytical science that is having a growing impact in a variety of scientific, technical and economic fields.We also discuss traceability that is invariably elusive in all types of analytical information and the specific analytical references on which it relies.