Dictionary · Instruments
Detection limit
The measured value, obtained by a given procedure, for which the probability of falsely claiming absence of a component is β, given a probability α of falsely claiming its presence — the statistically honest "smallest amount we can claim to see".
Related terms
More from Instruments
Datum measurement error
The measurement error of an instrument or system at a specified measured value — the error quoted at a named point rather than over the whole interval.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.27
Instrumental measurement uncertainty
The component of measurement uncertainty arising from the instrument or system in use, typically obtained from its calibration.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.24
Sensor
The element of a measuring system directly affected by the phenomenon, body, or substance carrying the quantity being measured — the Pt resistance element in an SPRT, the seismic mass in an accelerometer.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 3.8
Resolution of a displaying device
The smallest difference between displayed indications that can be meaningfully distinguished — for a digital display, one count of the least significant digit.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.15
Instrument bias
The average of replicate indications minus a reference quantity value — the instrument-level counterpart of measurement bias.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.20
Indication
The quantity value provided by a measuring instrument or system — the reading, before any correction.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.1