BLQ values are like those pimples we used to get as teenagers. They often show up at the worst time and they always seem to be in the wrong place. (Is their really a “right” place for a pimple!?) Then what do you do with the pimple? Rub some alcohol on it, put other medication, squeeze the puss out? So many choices… which one will be the least noticeable, yet relieve the majority of the pain? Often we are faced with similar challenges with BLQ values in our data.
What is BLQ?
BLQ stands for below the limit of quantification. Bioanalytical assays are validated within a pre-specified range. The lower end of that range is the “lower limit of quantification” or LLOQ. Concentration measurements below the LLOQ will have a percent coefficient of variation (%CV) of greater than 20%. That value of 20% was arbitrarily chosen as a cutoff for validated bioanalytical assays. Concentration measurements below the limit of quantification are then listed as BLQ (or BLOQ) in concentration-time datasets by laboratories.
Why not report the actual measurement instead of BLQ?
Many pharmacokinetic scientists would agree with this position; and many bioanalytical scientists would disagree with this methodology. The two arguments are as follows:
In favor of using BLQ: If we cannot measure something with a specified degree of certainty, then we will have no confidence in what we measure. Therefore, if the variability around the measurement is > 20%, we consider that a measurement in which we have no confidence of the measure.
In favor of reporting extrapolated concentrations: All data contains some information. When we artificially create barriers, we introduce bias into the analysis. The uncertainty in the measurement can be accommodated using appropriate PK error models to reflect the lack of confidence in lower concentrations.
In a majority of regulatory agencies around the world, the currently accepted method is to use BLQ values in bioanalytical analysis. However, there is strong pressure to move toward reporting all data with associated variability. So, what do we do with BLQ values we have now?
Set BLQ values to missing
Since no response information is provided with the BLQ, one approach is to set all BLQ values to “missing”. When BLQ values occur at the end of the concentration-time profile, setting them to missing has the effect of truncating the AUC to the time of the last observed concentration. When BLQ values occur in between two observed concentrations, setting the BLQ value to missing has the effect of removing that time point from the AUC calculation. This can potentially overestimate the AUC as extrapolation occurs between the two observed data points, ignoring the intermediate BLQ value.
Set BLQ values to zero
The approach endorsed by most regulatory agencies for the evaluation of bioequivalence data is to set all BLQ values to zero. The theory behind this approach is that since the concentration could not be measured accurately (i.e. within 20% CV) that there must be no drug present. This is a conservative approach that results in a potential for underestimation of the true AUC. However, it prevents overestimation of AUC that can occur as described in the “missing” section with intermediate BLQ values.
Set BLQ values to 1/2 of the LLOQ
The third approach is to set all BLQ values to 1/2 of the LLOQ. This approach is based on the theory that all BLQ values must be between 0 and LLOQ. Assuming a normal distribution, the mean concentration would be the midpoint, or 1/2 of the LLOQ. Thus using that value as a replacement for BLQ provides an “average” estimate of the actual concentration. In some respects it is a middle ground between the “missing” and “zero” methods previously described. While that may seem beneficial, this method suffers from 2 key problems. First, concentration-time data is not normally distributed. It is lognormally distributed as described in another post. Thus using the average concentration of an incorrectly assumed distribution creates bias. The second problem is that drug elimination is known to follow exponential decline. When the 1/2 of LLOQ method is used, drug levels in the terminal portion of the concentration-time are flat. This results in overestimation of the terminal portion of the AUC.
Which should I use?
My first recommendation is to use the actual response data along with the associated variability rather than using BLQ values. That said, you may have a difficult time convincing your bioanalytical laboratory to provide that information. Thus, if I am forced to use BLQ values, I prefer to use the “missing” method for most cases. The exception is to use the “zero” method when analyzing bioequivalence data submitted for generic products. I don’t recommend the “1/2 of LLOQ” method except when a regulator requests it.
表征化合物药代动力学（PK）和药效学（PD）的方法可能本身就很复杂和精密。PK/PD 分析是一门科学，需要数学和统计学背景以及对生物学、药理学和生理学的了解。PK/PD 分析为药物开发中的关键决策提供指导，如优化剂量、频率和暴露持续时间，因此正确做出这些决策至关重要。选择决策工具同样重要。幸运的是，PK/PD 分析软件近年来有了很大的发展，使用户可以专注于分析，而不是算法和编程语言。阅读我们的白皮书，了解选择 PK/PD 分析软件时的主要考虑因素。
