The Characteristic Function, a Method-Specific Alternative to the Horwitz Function.

The article discusses the results of a study that compares the Horwitz function with the characteristic function as a descriptor of the precision of individual analytical methods. A significant difference between the two functions is the ability to accommodate a detection limit by the characteristic function. The Horwitz function's additional role as a fitness-for-purpose criterion in the form of the Horwitz ratio (HorRat) is discussed.