Description
Return gap = reportedLimit-referenceLimit and, when referenceLimit > 0, ratio = reportedLimit/referenceLimit with defined = true.
A threshold comparison needs compatible units, a direction and boundary rules. A caller-provided limit or reporting bound is an input to the calculation; it does not establish which scientific, analytical or legal rule applies.
Return gap = reportedLimit-referenceLimit and, when referenceLimit > 0, ratio = reportedLimit/referenceLimit with defined = true.
When to use this tool
Use Reporting Limit Reference Gap when comparing a supplied value, bound or elapsed time with an explicit reference.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter reportedLimit, referenceLimit. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read gap, ratio, defined. Inspect defined before interpreting the associated values.
Require nonnegative reportedLimit and referenceLimit. Return gap = reportedLimit-referenceLimit and, when referenceLimit > 0, ratio = reportedLimit/referenceLimit with defined = true. At a zero reference limit return ratio = 0 and defined = false.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| reportedLimit | Reported Limit | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| referenceLimit | Reference Limit | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| gap | Signed first or corrected value minus the stated reference, on their common unit basis. | Required. Finite number. |
| ratio | Dimensionless comparison using the stated reference denominator. | Required. Finite number. |
| defined | Whether the denominator is positive and the returned ratio is defined; inspect this before using a zero placeholder. | Required. Boolean. |
{
"input": {
"reportedLimit": 3,
"referenceLimit": 2
},
"output": {
"gap": 1,
"ratio": 1.5,
"defined": true
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The gap remains meaningful at a zero reference even though the ratio is undefined. Both limits must use compatible analytical units and definitions; no health threshold or reporting method is selected.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Consult the applicable method or authoritative policy to establish the reference, especially for censored measurements and compliance decisions.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Environmental Source Basis Gap
Convert commonBasisValue = reportedConcentration*sourceBasisFactor and referenceBasisValue = suppliedReferenceValue*referenceBasisFactor, then return gap = commonBasisValue-referenceBasisValue.
- Sample Reporting Limit Gap Tool
Compare supplied assay values to an explicit reporting threshold without selecting a regulatory or health limit.