Detektionskänslighet

Detektionskänslighet describes the smallest amount of a substance or signal that a detector can reliably identify. In scientific and technical contexts, a high detektionskänslighet means the detector can pick up very faint signals or very low concentrations of a target. Conversely, low detektionskänslighet indicates that the detector requires a stronger signal or a higher concentration to register a detection. This characteristic is crucial in various fields, including analytical chemistry, medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and signal processing.

The detektionskänslighet of an instrument is often expressed in terms of a limit of detection (LoD). The LoD represents the minimum concentration of an analyte that can be distinguished from a blank sample with a certain level of confidence, typically 95%. Factors influencing detektionskänslighet include the noise level of the detector, the efficiency of the detection system, and the specific properties of the substance being detected. Improving detektionskänslighet often involves reducing background noise, enhancing signal amplification, or employing more sophisticated detection techniques. For example, in medical tests, higher detektionskänslighet allows for the earlier identification of diseases when markers are present in very small quantities.