Interpreting and Managing Laboratory Data below the Quantification and Detection Threshold

ABSTRACT One of the problems of interpreting laboratory reports with data below reporting and detection limits is that there is no standard for reporting. Therefore, laboratories are using different nomenclature, definitions, and reporting formats for low-level data. Some knowledge of laboratory processes is often needed to find all the information required to accurately interpret laboratory reports. To make correct conclusions based on the statistical analysis of such data, a collaboration between a data analyst and a chemist to review the narrative explaining the data package and accurately interpret detection and reporting limits and data qualifiers is needed. This paper is written to aid data analysts and laboratory operational and quality managers in recognizing issues with reporting low-level data and to avoid common pitfalls in their interpretation.