referentiepanels

Referentiepanels, or reference panels, are standardized groups or datasets used as benchmarks to calibrate, validate, or compare results across methods, instruments, or studies. They provide a known point of reference that enables consistency and traceability in measurements and analyses. Referentiepanels can take the form of physical reference materials, such as quantified substances or calibrated instruments, or digital reference datasets that contain predefined properties or annotations.

In laboratory medicine and analytical chemistry, referentiepanels consist of materials with certified properties (for example, specific concentrations or purity levels) that laboratories use to calibrate assays, monitor quality control, and validate new methods. Regular testing with these panels helps detect drift, bias, or measurement error over time.

In genomics and genetics, reference panels refer to haplotype reference panels used for genotype imputation and phasing. Large, diverse panels—constructed from extensive sequencing projects—enable imputation of missing genotypes in study samples by matching them to known haplotypes, thereby increasing statistical power and accuracy in downstream analyses.

In statistics and social science, referentiepanels may be used as baseline samples for calibration and harmonization across surveys, or as benchmarks for weighting and data integration. They facilitate comparability of results obtained with different instruments, protocols, or populations.

Construction of an effective referentiepanel requires careful selection to reflect the target population or measurement context, thorough documentation of properties, and ongoing evaluation. Limitations include potential biases, incomplete coverage of all conditions or populations, and the need for periodic updates as methods evolve.

See also: reference material, standard, calibration, quality control, imputation, weighting.