Sensitivity (analytics)

In analytical chemistry, sensitivity describes the measuring range and accuracy of a device. The more precisely a device gives a value, e.g. B. the concentration of a substance can measure, the greater its sensitivity. The goal in analytical chemistry is to use the most sensitive equipment possible; H. To use devices that carry out a measurement as precisely as possible with the smallest possible amount

The sensitivity of a device is related to the calibration . With a large slope of the calibration line, a small change in concentration results in a relatively large change in the signal. If you look at the same change in concentration with a calibration line with a low gradient, you notice a slight change in the signal - signal changes can be determined more precisely.

Small changes in the signal may lead to regions in which the signal can no longer be separated from the noise , which is unavoidable.

literature

• G. Schwedt: Analytical chemistry. 2nd Edition. Wiley-VCH, 2008, ISBN 978-3-527-31206-1 .