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How to read less-than results in analytical reports

A less-than result is a qualified observation relative to a stated threshold. It is neither an exact measurement equal to that threshold nor a demonstrated zero.

For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.

Keep the qualifier with the numeric part and units. A dataset intended for calculations should represent the qualifier separately rather than force the result into an ordinary number field. Explain how qualified observations enter or stay out of summary statistics.

Reading checklist

Preserve the inequality
Record the threshold and units
Document the summary treatment

Reference: Limit of quantitation.

Sources and further reading

NIST: measurement uncertainty for reference materials
NIST: reference material categories

External references explain terminology and methods. They do not certify Eon products or establish suitability for human or veterinary use.