Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compares the signal Sum of the individual pixel intensity values (Total) for a quantification shape minus the background value. in a quantification shape (e.g. band box, well circle) to the background value calculated for that shape.

Calculating the Signal-to-Noise Ratio

In Empiria Studio, the SNR is calculated using this formula:

Formula for Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Empiria Studio

Interpreting the Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The following points are helpful to keep in mind when interpreting the SNR for your analysis. Data interpretation is specific to your experiment, and it may be best to consult a statistician.

  • If your SNR is less than 1, ensure your lane boundary includes enough lane area around the bands. If insufficient lane area is included, the shapes assigned to your bands may be too large and this may lower the SNR. If this occurs, adjust the size of shapes around your bands as needed.

  • By convention, an SNR ≥ 3 is considered a reliable threshold for distinguishing signal from background noise.