What Do LOD, LOQ, and ND Mean on a Hemp COA?
A Clear Guide to Understanding Detection Limits on Your Hemp Certificate of Analysis (COA)
If you’ve ever reviewed a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for a hemp product, you’ve likely come across the terms LOD, LOQ, and ND. These acronyms play a crucial role in interpreting your lab results—but they’re often misunderstood or overlooked.
At New Bloom Labs, we believe in making lab data transparent and easy to understand. This guide will walk you through what these terms mean, how they impact your cannabinoid test results, and why they matter for hemp growers, processors, and brands.
What Does “ND” Mean on a COA?
“ND” stands for Not Detected. This means that the compound you’re testing for (such as delta-9 THC, pesticides, or heavy metals) was not found in the sample above the lab’s Limit of Detection (LOD).
This does not necessarily mean that the compound is 100% absent. Rather, it means that it was either not present at all or present at such low levels that it falls below the lab’s ability to detect it.
Example:
If the LOD for delta-9 THC is 0.002%, and your result shows “ND,” it means any delta-9 present was less than 0.002%—so low that it can’t be detected with certainty by the instrument.
What Is LOD (Limit of Detection)?
LOD is the smallest concentration of a compound that can be reliably distinguished from background noise—in other words, the lowest amount the lab’s instruments can detect, but not necessarily measure with precision.
Why It Matters:
If your result is below the LOD, it will be reported as “ND.”
LOD ensures that even trace amounts can be picked up—crucial for THC compliance testing.
What Is LOQ (Limit of Quantitation)?
LOQ is the lowest concentration of a compound that can be accurately and consistently measured with the lab’s method. It’s a stricter threshold than LOD.
If a compound is detected between the LOD and LOQ, the lab might know it's there—but can’t report an exact amount with confidence.
Example:
Let’s say your product contains delta-9 THC at 0.003%, and the LOQ is 0.005%. The lab may detect the THC, but because it’s below the LOQ, it can’t report a precise percentage. The result might be shown as “<LOQ.”
Summary: LOD vs. LOQ vs. ND
TermStands ForWhat It MeansLODLimit of DetectionThe lowest amount that can be detected, but not reliably measuredLOQLimit of QuantitationThe lowest amount that can be quantified with accuracyNDNot DetectedThe compound was not present above the LOD
How These Limits Affect Hemp Compliance
LOD and LOQ values are especially important when testing for regulated cannabinoids like delta-9 THC. Under federal law, hemp must contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. That means the lab must be able to detect and measure very small amounts accurately.
A transparent COA will show both LOD and LOQ values, allowing you to see:
What your lab is capable of detecting
How reliable the reported measurements are
Whether your “ND” result truly means non-detectable, or simply below the detection limit
What to Look for on Your COA
On a New Bloom Labs COA, you’ll typically find:
A cannabinoid profile table showing measured values for each analyte
“ND” for compounds that are not detected above the LOD
“<LOQ” for compounds detected but not quantifiable
LOD and LOQ values listed for transparency
If these values aren’t included in a COA from another lab, that’s a red flag—you deserve to know your lab’s limits.
Final Thoughts
Understanding LOD, LOQ, and ND isn’t just about lab science—it’s about product confidence and compliance. These values help ensure that your hemp product is legal, safe, and accurately represented to your customers.
At New Bloom Labs, we use validated methods and modern equipment to ensure low detection thresholds and transparent reporting. If you ever have questions about interpreting your COA—or improving your product's consistency—our team is here to help.