What term refers to the lowest detectable amount of an analyte?

The term that refers to the lowest detectable amount of an analyte is analytical sensitivity. This concept is crucial in analytical chemistry and clinical laboratory settings because it defines the capability of a test to detect minimal concentrations of a substance in a sample. A method with high analytical sensitivity can identify very low levels of an analyte, making it essential for accurately diagnosing conditions where analytes might be present in trace amounts.

For example, when testing for hormones or drugs in the bloodstream, being able to measure even small quantities is vital for a correct diagnosis or monitoring of therapy. Analytical sensitivity therefore plays a key role in the reliability of test results, especially in situations where detecting low levels of analytes is necessary for early disease detection or therapeutic drug monitoring.