Professional Detailing2 min read

Coating Trial Box Plots: Explain the Whiskers Before Calling a Point an Outlier

Box-plot whiskers can follow different conventions. Explain the rule used before interpreting a point beyond a whisker as a defective sample or a result that should be removed.

Updated · NANOLAB Knowledge

The key distinction

The chart is a summary, not a decision rule by itself. A marked observation may deserve investigation, but its validity depends on the sample and method record. Keep the individual value and the reason for any later exclusion separate from the visual convention used to display the data.

Practical checks

  1. State the box and whisker definitions in the chart notes.
  2. Review flagged observations against the original records.
  3. Apply only the trial's justified exclusion process when deciding whether a value belongs in analysis.

Example

Illustrative example: software marks a coating result outside its default whisker range. The team should not delete it merely because the chart labels it unusual. The observation may represent genuine variation that is important to the purchasing decision.

Scope and limits

Do not equate unusual with erroneous or change chart settings to hide inconvenient results. This guide does not prescribe a particular box-plot convention. Its purpose is to keep the display rule, investigation and final analytical treatment distinct and understandable to the reader.

Related guidance

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

Professional Detailing2 min read

Measuring Colour Change in a Nano Coating Trial

Plan a colour-change assessment for nano coatings with matched samples, consistent lighting and a clear distinction between visual observation and instrument data.

Professional Detailing2 min read

Coating Trial Photographs: Keep Image Processing Consistent

Editing settings can change the apparent contrast, colour and clarity of a coating comparison. Preserve the original photographs and apply a consistent, disclosed processing approach when images are used as evidence.