COMBINING REAL AND VIRTUAL HIGGS-BOSON MASS CONSTRAINTS

Within the framework of the standard model we observe that there is a significant discrepancy between the most precise Z boson decay asymmet ry measurement and the limit from direct searches for Higgs boson prod uction. Using methods inspired by the Particle Data Group we explore t he possible effect on fits of the Higgs boson mass. In each case the c entral value and the 95% confidence level upper limit increase signifi cantly relative to the conventional fit. The results suggest caution i n drawing conclusions about the Higgs boson mass from the existing dat a.