Professional Detailing2 min read

Pass or Numeric Result: Writing a Useful Coating Test Request

Decide whether a laboratory should report a measured value, an observation, a pass decision or a combination before commissioning a coating test. These outputs answer different questions and require different instructions.

Updated · NANOLAB Knowledge

The key distinction

A pass statement needs an acceptance basis. A numeric result needs units, method context and enough information for interpretation. An observation may be useful without supporting a numerical ranking. Clarifying the requested output prevents a report that is technically complete yet unusable for the buyer's actual decision.

Practical checks

  1. Describe the decision the report will support and the sample identity.
  2. Agree the method, requested outputs and any acceptance criteria before testing.
  3. Ask the laboratory to identify uncertainty or scope limitations relevant to a conformity decision.

Example

Illustrative example: a buyer requests a coating comparison but receives two pass statements against a broad criterion. Those statements may answer acceptance, but they do not necessarily rank the products. If ranking is needed, the buyer must agree an appropriate comparative study rather than infer superiority from identical pass labels.

Scope and limits

Do not create a pass threshold after reviewing the results. A numeric difference is not automatically practically significant, and a pass does not establish performance beyond the agreed criterion. Keep the report wording aligned with the question the laboratory actually evaluated.

Related guidance

Ask NANOLAB about the exact product and intended use. Use the current product documentation for formulation-specific instructions.