Recommendations for the definition, estimation and use of the detection limit

TLDR

The detection limit is a key concept in trace analysis, yet analysts have been slow to adopt the IUPAC definition, leading to varied usages in the literature. Different usages can be reconciled by explicitly specifying the analytical system in which the detection limit is measured. Because the detection limit cannot be rigorously interpreted via confidence intervals, precise determination is of limited value, but when estimated appropriately it remains an invaluable characteristic of an analytical system.

Abstract

The detection limit is an important concept in trace analysis. However, analysts have been slow to adopt the IUPAC definition of detection limit, and as a consequence there is still a variety of usages in the current literature. The different usages can be reconciled by a proper specification of the analytical system in which the detection limit is measured. Because detection limit cannot be rigorously interpreted in terms of confidence intervals, there is little point in determining it with great precision. Nevertheless, when it is estimated by an appropriate means, it is an invaluable characteristic of an analytical system.