Detection and quantification limits (LOD and LOQ) are
two fundamental elements of method validation. Rigorous
statistical definitions exist, but in HPLC they could not
be implemented. Nevertheless there are several estimation methods for these limits. The most commonly used
is the signal-to-noise ratio criterion. Others are based on
the dispersion characteristics of the regression line, either
simple or weighted. For LOQ, Eurachem proposed an
alternate approach based on the use of a target value for
the area RSD. Since official guidelines imposed no particular modus operandi, an experimental methodology
was set up to investigate the compatibility of the different
approaches and their respective reliabilities. Several
samples prepared in a concentration range close to the
limits were analyzed. It appeared that, both for values and
their reliabilities, the different approaches were far from
equivalent. In our opinion, the best way to handle the
problem of detection and quantification limits was a
methodology based on the use of the residual standard
deviation of a weighted regression for LOD and on a
Eurachem approach for LOQ. Values obtained by these
means had the advantage of being reliable, i.e., with a
small dispersion, and were still compatible with those
obtained with the usual signal-to-noise ratio approach.