Test method
A 'Test Method is a definitive procedure that produces a test result. (ASTM definition)
The test result can be qualititive (yes/no), categorical, or quantititive (a measured value). It may be a personal observation or the output of a precision instrument.
Content of a Test Method
In engineering, manufacturing, and business, it is vital for suppliers, purchasers, and users of products or services to understand and agree upon methods of obtaining data and making measurements.
The test method might include:
- Descriptive title and scope of the test method
- Date of last effective revision and revision designation
- Person, office, or agency responsible for questions on the test method, updates, and deviations.
- The significance or importance of the test method and its intended use.
- Terminology and definitions to clarify the meanings of the test method
- A listing of the types of apparatus (and the specific device) required to conduct the test
- Safety precautions
- Environmental concerns and considerations
- Sampling procedures. How are samples to be obtained. Number of samples.
- Conditioning: temperature, humidity, etc, and Tolerance (engineering)
- Preparation of samples for the test
- Detailed procedure for conducting the test
- Calculations and analysis of data
- Interpretation of data and test method output
- Report: format, content, data, etc
- Accuracy, precision, repeatability, reproducibility, and uncertainty of test results
Links
- Metrology
- experiment
- Design of experiments
- observational error
- Performance testing
- Data analysis
- Tolerance (engineering)
- Specification
Refereces
- Pyzdek, T, "Quality Engineering Handbook", 2003, ISBN 0824746147
- Godfrey, A. B., "Juran's Quality Handbook", 1999, ISBN 007034003