What is the Percent Coefficient Variation formula?

• A. Mean / SD x 100
• B. SD / Mean x 100
• C. Mean + SD x 100
• D. SD - Mean x 100

Answer: (B)

The Percent Coefficient Variation formula is expressed as the standard deviation divided by the mean, multiplied by 100. This formula is essential in statistics, particularly in bone densitometry and other medical imaging fields, because it helps quantify the relative variability of a measurement in relation to the average value.

When you calculate the standard deviation, you are measuring the amount of variation or dispersion of a set of values from their mean. By dividing the standard deviation by the mean and then multiplying by 100, you convert that value into a percentage, allowing for easier comparison of variability across different datasets or measurements.

This metric is particularly useful when comparing the precision of different tests or populations that may have different units or scales, as it standardizes the data. Therefore, using this formula provides insight into the reliability of the measurement obtained during bone densitometry scans, which is crucial for making clinical decisions related to bone health.