Limit of Detection (LOD)

The Limit of Detection (LOD) is the smallest amount of a substance that a test or measurement can reliably identify, but not necessarily precisely measure. It represents the lowest level at which detection is possible, distinguishing the substance from background noise or other minor signals. For example, in medical testing, the LOD indicates the smallest amount of a virus or biomarker that a test can detect, ensuring confidence that a detected signal truly indicates presence rather than random variation. It’s a critical parameter for assessing the sensitivity and reliability of analytical methods.