Dilution factor

The dilution factor, as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency via its SEDD Specification Version 5.2, is "the overall dilution of the sample aliquot for a particular analysis. A value of one corresponds to nominal conditions for the method. Values greater than one correspond to dilutions. Values less than one correspond to concentrations." The EPA adds:

Exactly which factors are included in the dilution factor may depend on the method. The most common usage involves dilution of a prepared extract immediately prior to analysis. Under these conditions the initial sample weight or volume would not normally be taken into account unless the sample were to be directly introduced into the instrument.