Table 1.

Strengths and limitations of different calculation methods of relative correction factors (RCFs).

Methods	Strengths	Weaknesses	Application range
SP	Avoid effects caused by concentration changes; Simple calculation process.	The ignored intercept may lead to large errors in most cases.	Wide range of analyte content; highly accurate results when intercept can be ignored.
AVG	Wide application; simple calculation process.	RCF fluctuates significantly at different wavelengths and concentrations.	The analyte is not a trace component; stable wavelength.
LRG	High accuracy and stability when the intercept tends to be zero.	The intercept significantly affects the accuracy of the results.	Intercept is almost zero; the analyte is not a trace component; high accuracy calculation.
E1%1cm	When E1%1cm is known, it can be calculated directly to avoid experiment. When the sample concentration is close to LOQ, deviation can be avoided.	The E1%1cm of compound is unknown, and additional measurement of E1%1cm will increase experimental error.	Known E1%1cm. The content of analyte is close to LOQ.
MAML	Improved algorithm of SP method; overcome error caused by ignored intercept in SP method; higher accuracy.	Relatively complicated calculation process.	The non-negligible intercept; wide range of analyte content; high accuracy calculation.

SP: slope; AVG: average; RCF: relative correction factor; LRG: linear regression method; E^1%_1cm: absorption coefficient; LOQ: limit of quantification; MAML: multimarkers assay by the monolinear method.