Abstract
Most studies on the half-lives of environmental contaminants have been based on small sample sizes and a limited number of repeated measurements. In this paper, we address issues of study design and sample size for half-life studies. Useful guidelines are provided for choosing the number of repeats and the optimal time interval between repeats for estimating an individual's half-life with a given level of precision, while minimizing the cost of the study. In addition, sample size and power considerations for studies comparing two population half-lives are investigated. An example is presented using data from a study on polychlorinated biphenyls and breast cancer.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 423-429 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1996 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Toxicology
- Pollution
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis