Describe the Limit of Detection (LOD) and the difference between LOD and Kf.

Question

Accepted Answer

LOD is the limit of detection and Kf is the correction factor used to adjust for matrix effects.

LOD is the lowest concentration of an analyte that can be reliably detected by an analytical method.
Kf is used to correct for matrix effects, which are interferences caused by the sample matrix.
LOD is determined by analyzing a series of samples with known concentrations and identifying the lowest concentration that can be reliably detected.
Kf is determined by analyzing a sample with a known concentration of the analyte in a matrix similar to the sample matrix and comparing it to a sample with the same concentration in a pure solvent.
LOD is expressed as a signal-to-noise ratio, while Kf is expressed as a ratio of the response in the sample matrix to the response in the pure solvent.

Accepted Answer

The comparability of the LOD and KF methods is restricted by the fact that they measure different things using different methods. The LOD is based on physical mass determination after the escape of volatilized moisture, including fats and water. KF titration is a chemical reaction with the water in a sample.