Test Method - Content of A Test Method

Content of A Test Method

Quality management systems usually require full documentation of the procedures used in a test. The document for a test method might include:

• Descriptive title
• Scope over which class(es) of materials or articles may be evaluated
• Date of last effective revision and revision designation
• Reference to most recent test method validation
• 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 measuring instrument (sometimes the specific device) required to conduct the test
• Safety precautions
• Required calibrations and metrology systems
• Environmental concerns and considerations
• Sampling procedures: How samples are to be obtained, and Number of samples (sample size).
• Conditioning or required environmental chamber: temperature, humidity, etc., including tolerances
• Preparation of samples for the test and test fixtures
• Detailed procedure for conducting the test
• Calculations and analysis of data
• Interpretation of data and test method output
• Report: format, content, data, etc.