Comments OH the Definitions of the Terms Sensitivity and Detection Limit

Abstract

Abstract Although we agree with the general discussion concerning the definitions of the terms sensitivity and detection limit made by de Galan(1), we must strongly suggest that to define sensitivity as the slope of the analytical curve is not entirely practical. Moreover, we would point out that Professor de Galan is apparently guilty of the charge he has made against Willis and west(1), i.e., he has failed to consult all of the pertinent literature. Specifically, he omitted reference to tlie definition of sensitivity presented by Mandel and Stiehler.(2,3) in 1954, two years prior to the first of a succession of papers on this topic by Kaiser(4–6). Therefore, to call attention to a very practical definition of sensitivity and to clarify some pertinent related points we offer the following comments.