title: The meaning of "sensitivity" in trace analysis.
abstract: The concepts of the ratio of the change in output signal produced by an increment of a material to be determined to that increment, and the smallest quantity of a material that can be detected "with certainty" are examined. The name "sensitivity" is suggested for the former, and "detectability" for the latter. Mathematical relationships are proposed that will permit the comparison of the detectability of two different analytical methods.
authors.affiliation: Midwest Reasearch Institute, Kasas City, Missouri 64110, U.S.A.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Barney