under detection limit

USAGE SUMMARY

"under detection limit" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something cannot be measured due to its low concentration. For example, "The amount of mercury in the water sample was under detection limit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In this study, the levels of deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP), deoxyuridine diphosphate (dUDP) and deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) were still under detection limit of the assay before and after treatment of dFdC.

Nature

Plasma TNFα and IL-6 levels were under detection limit in any baseline samples.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

However, these procedures either ignore missing (under detection limit) mechanism or are not applicable in the high dimensional setting.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

From these results, SO2 flux on June 2, 2015, was under detection limit of the instrument used.

Earth, Planets and Space

The isomer of 2,2′-biphenyl is typically present in quite low concentrations, and 1,2′-biphenyl is commonly absent or under detection limit.

Petroleum Science

When this device is exposed to poisonous gas such as NO2, their resistance increases which can be measured and their sensitivity under detection limit of 1 ppm is 1.05 % per ppm for NO2.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

At the same time, pIκBα staining was not concentrated and under detection limits of the antibody (Figure 6E).

Plosone

Amp-PCR can increase the specific PCR signal at least 100×106-fold and make it possible to detect positive samples normally under the detection limit of the specific real-time PCR.

Plosone

Taken together, the Amp-PCR method appears to be a reliable and reproducible method that is capable of detecting amounts of sample normally under the detection limit of a specific PCR.

Plosone

144 proteins were detected and 40 had a concentration under the detection limit.

Clinical Proteomics

Lead was also measurable after fortification since its levels were under the detection limit of the voltammetric method.

Microchemical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting that a substance is "under detection limit", clearly state the detection limit of the method used. This provides context and allows for comparison across different studies or methods.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "under detection limit" means the substance is entirely absent. It simply means the substance is present in a concentration too low to be measured by the specific method used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under detection limit" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to qualify a measurement or concentration. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct and usable phrase. It specifies that a substance or signal is present at a level too low to be accurately measured by the method employed. Examples from Ludwig show it applied across various scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under detection limit" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, primarily in scientific contexts, to describe a situation where a substance or signal cannot be quantified by a particular method due to its low concentration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. When using this phrase, it's essential to specify the detection limit of the method used. Alternatives such as "below detection threshold" or "undetectable" can be considered based on context. Remember, "under detection limit" doesn't necessarily mean absence, but rather a concentration below the method's sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below detection threshold

Indicates the quantity is lower than the minimum level detectable; uses 'threshold' instead of 'limit'.

undetectable

A simpler, one-word synonym emphasizing the inability to detect the substance.

not quantifiable

Focuses on the inability to quantify or measure the substance accurately.

below quantifiable level

Similar to "not quantifiable", but specifies 'level' instead of 'limit'.

present in trace amounts

Highlights that the substance is present, but only in very small quantities.

not detectable by current methods

Emphasizes that the limitation is due to the available detection techniques.

falls outside the limits of detection

Expresses the idea using a slightly more formal and technical phrasing.

at undetectable levels

Highlights that the quantity is so low it cannot be detected.

below the instrument's sensitivity

Pinpoints the instrument's lack of sensitivity as the reason for non-detection.

existing in negligible quantities

Highlights that the quantities are so small that they can be ignored.

FAQs

How should I interpret a result that is "under detection limit"?

A result "under detection limit" means the concentration of the substance is lower than the lowest amount that the test can reliably measure. It doesn't necessarily mean the substance is absent, just that it's present in a quantity too small to quantify with the method used.

What are some alternative ways to say "under detection limit"?

You can use alternatives like "below detection threshold", "undetectable", or "not quantifiable", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "under detection limit" in formal writing?

Yes, "under detection limit" is commonly used in scientific and technical writing to describe measurements that fall below the sensitivity of an assay or instrument. It's a standard term in these fields.

What does 'UDL' stand for in the context of "under detection limit"?

'UDL' is sometimes used as an abbreviation for "under detection limit", particularly in clinical or laboratory reports where space is limited. Be sure to define the abbreviation the first time you use it.