What is the purpose of using a standard curve in laboratory testing?

Using a standard curve in laboratory testing is essential for facilitating the quantification of unknown concentrations of substances in samples. A standard curve is constructed by plotting the known concentrations of a substance against the corresponding measured response from the analytical method being employed, such as absorbance in spectrophotometry.

Once the standard curve is established, it serves as a reference that allows laboratory technicians to determine the concentration of an unknown sample by measuring its response and using the curve to find the corresponding concentration. This method ensures accuracy and precision in quantification, which is critical in various laboratory applications, including clinical diagnostics and research.

In contrast, while determining the age of samples, evaluating sample storage conditions, or assessing equipment calibration are important aspects of laboratory practice, they do not directly relate to the primary use of a standard curve. The standard curve's primary role is to provide a reliable mechanism for quantifying unknowns rather than addressing these other aspects of laboratory testing.