Degradation linear regression lines

FIGURE 6 Effect of pH on the degradation of PC at 72°C (buffer concentration = 0). The lines were calculated with linear regression analysis. (From Grit et al., 1989.)... 

The authors determined specificity using the known hydrolytic degradation products. The precision of spiked samples of these degradation products were determined and found to be acceptable (99.9 0.4%). Accuracy of the method was determined using spiked recoveries of piroxicam benzoate, and the recoveries were acceptable (99.1-100.5%). Assay precision n = 6, RSD = 0.4%) was in accord with recommended criteria [7]. Within-day precision was performed on two instruments on two separate days, and the overall intermediate precision was 1.0%. The method was linear over the expected analyte concentration range giving a regression line of 1 = 0.999. The detection (DL) and quantification levels (QL) were assessed, and the latter was determined as 0.185 pg/ml (ca. 0.04%). 

The nature of any degradation relationship will determine whether the data should be transformed for linear regression analysis. Usually, the relationship can be represented by a linear, quadratic, or cubic function on an arithmetic or logarithmic scale. Statistical methods should be employed to test the goodness of fit of the data from all batches and combined batches (where appropriate) to the assumed degradation line or curve. 

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