---
title: Module 8. Why Does LOD Affect Tissue Staining?
description: "Why does LOD affect tissue staining? The simple waterline model shown in Figure 10 below shows how assay analytic sensitivity determines whether a biomarker remains hidden, faintly visible, or fully revealed. - The analytic sensitivity is like the water level.…"
url: "https://bostoncellstandards.com/learning-center/documentation/metric-calibration-tutorial/why-does-lod-affect-tissue-staining/"
updated: "2026-09-01"
category: Metric Calibration Tutorial
tags:
  - Assay
  - Biomarker
  - LOD
  - Lower Limit of Detection
  - Statistical process Control
---

# Module 8. Why Does LOD Affect Tissue Staining?

Why does LOD affect tissue staining? The simple waterline model shown in Figure 10 below shows how assay analytic sensitivity determines whether a biomarker remains hidden, faintly visible, or fully revealed.

- The analytic sensitivity is like the water level.
- The underwater volcano is like the biomarker.
- An insensitive assay (A, on left) has a high LOD and is represented with a high-water level (LOD), rendering the volcano (biomarker) not visible.
- A sensitive assay (C, on the right) has a low LOD and is represented with a low-water level (LOD), exposing nearly the entire volcanic island (biomarker), analogous to strong staining.

 ![](https://bostoncellstandards.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/stain_intensity-e1781811386234-1024x730.jpg)

*Figure**10**. Relationship Between LOD And Stain Intensity*