Detection limits of chemical sensors: Applications and misapplications

The limit of detection (LOD) and the sensitivity of a chemical sensor are defined using IUPAC guidelines. The LOD from simulated and experimental data is calculated from a calibration curve using a simple statistical model that was implemented into a spreadsheet program. This definition of the LOD is compared with the commonly used definition of the LOD, which is based on the product of sensitivity and the theoretical instrument resolution.