The lowest concentration of a hazardous substance that a method can detect reliably in either a sample or blank.

The minimum concentration of a substance that can be accurately identified and measured with present laboratory technologies.

The minimum concentration of an analyte that can be identified, measured and reported with 99% confidence that the analyte concentration is greater than zero.

The minimum concentration of a compound that can be measured and reported with 99 percent confidence that the value is above zero.

The smallest amount of an analyte that can be analyzed by a given measurement system under specified conditions of sample processing and analysis, and reported with a Laboratory specific confidence (generally 95%) that the concentration of the analyte in the sample is greater than zero.

the detection limit that takes into account the reagents, sample matrix, and preparation steps applied to a sample in specific analytical methods. [Source: Guidance for Data Useability in Risk Assessment ( Part A). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Emergency and Remedial Response. Publication 9285.7-09A, Glossary.

The minimum concentration of a substance that can be measured and reported with 99% confidence that the analyte concentration is greater than zero. It is determined by analysis of a sample in a given matrix containing the analyte.

See limit of detection.