Code:
ADCIN Baseline
ADCIN Reference
IF Reference < Baseline THEN
  'Sign = negative
  'Use subtraction in calculation
  'Denote a reduction
ELSE
  'Sign = positive
  'Use addition in calculation
  'Denote an increase
ENDIF
Another possibility is use 128 = 0. If ADC Value < 128, treat as negative... I've created my own positive/negative methods that don't follow the standardized Signed Variable format. The math was easier my way for what I was doing. Just some thoughts that might spur ideas.