Focus on Global Terminology

This month’s terms:

analytical sensitivity
In quantitative testing, The change in response of a measuring system or instrument divided by the corresponding change in the stimulus (modified from VIM93). In simpler terms, this is the slope of the calibration line.

limit of detection (LoD)
Lowest amount of analyte in a sample that can be detected with (stated) probability, although perhaps not quantified as an exact value (revised from WHO); NOTE: Also called "lower limit of detection," "minimum detectable concentration," (or "dose" or "value"), and sometimes used to indicate "sensitivity"; (from CLSI/NCCLS document EP17-A: Protocols for Determination of Limits of Detection and Limits of Quantitation; Approved Guideline.)

For complete details on these and other internationally accepted terms, visit the Harmonized Terminology Database.  In the database, find standard, internationally preferred terms and definitions, related terms, terms that are not acceptable in the international standards community, and illustrative notes and examples. [ return to top ]