Detection Limit

Detection limit refers to the smallest amount of a substance that can be reliably identified or measured by a test or analytical method. In practical terms, it’s the threshold below which an instrument or technique cannot confidently determine the presence of that substance. For example, in environmental monitoring, if the detection limit for a pollutant is set at 1 part per million, concentrations below that level might be present but cannot be reported with certainty. Understanding detection limits is crucial for ensuring accurate measurements in areas like science, medicine, and quality control.