Tests
What is a Test?
A test represents an individual analysis being carried out on a sample in LabHQ.
Each test is created from a test method, which defines how that type of analysis is performed and recorded. The test is the actual instance of that method being carried out on a specific sample.
For example, a Test Method may define how pH is measured. When pH testing is required for a sample, a test is created from that method so that the result can be recorded for that individual sample.
How Tests Are Structured
Tests sit at the lowest level of the main testing structure in LabHQ:
Job → Samples → Tests
A job can contain one or more samples, and each sample can contain one or more tests.
The sample provides the overall record for the item being tested, while each test records the information and results for an individual analysis.
Tests & Test Methods
A test method is the configuration used to define how a type of test should be carried out and recorded in LabHQ.
It can define information such as:
- The inputs and results that need to be recorded.
- The format of those inputs and results.
- Calculations used to determine results.
- Other settings used when carrying out the analysis.
A test is created from that test method when the analysis is required for a particular sample.
This means the same test method can be used to create tests across many different samples while allowing each sample to have its own results and testing history.
Information Recorded Against a Test
A test brings together the information needed to carry out and record an individual analysis.
Depending on how your organization has configured LabHQ, this can include:
- Test Method – the method the test was created from.
- Status – where the test currently is in the testing workflow.
- Inputs – information that needs to be entered as part of carrying out the test.
- Results – the values calculated from the inputs and calculations.
- Specifications – limits or targets used to assess applicable results.
- Result outcome – whether applicable results fall within the required limits.
- Repeat number – where the same Test Method has been added to a sample more than once.
The information available may vary depending on the test method and your organization's configuration.
Tests & Specifications
Where a specification applies to a sample, relevant test results can be assessed against the limits defined in that specification.
This allows LabHQ to show whether a result is within the expected limits and highlight results that may require attention.
Not every test result needs to be assessed against a specification. Some results may simply be recorded for information or reporting purposes.
See Specifications for more information about how limits are configured.
Repeat Tests
The same test method can be added to a sample more than once.
These are treated as separate test instances and allow a new set of results to be recorded for each repeat.
Repeat tests are identified separately so that the results and history of each test can be retained.
Test Status
Tests progress through the workflow as testing is carried out. This will include entering results, submitting results and verifying tests.
The status of the test shows its current stage and helps users identify whether further action is required before the sample can progress.
Different tests on the same sample can be at different stages of the workflow at the same time.
Working With Tests
Depending on your permissions, you can use tests to:
- View the tests assigned to a sample
- Add or remove tests from a sample
- Enter and edit test results
- Submit results
- Verify tests
- Review specifications and result outcomes
- Repeat a test