laboratory test

noun

variants or lab test

: a test conducted under controlled scientific conditions in a laboratory or similar setting

… in laboratory tests of acyclovir, herpes strains have mutated to forms resistant to the drug.

—Linda Garmon

We've measured the amount of soap in shampoos and used lab tests to determine cleaning action and pH.

—Consumer Reports

specifically, medical : a test (such as a blood test or urinalysis procedure) performed by a medical laboratory on a specimen taken from a patient

Even experienced doctors cannot distinguish "strep" throat from other-caused sore throats without a laboratory test of fluid taken from the throat.

—Melva Weber

Those two values are seen with a complete blood count, the lab test that enumerates the number of white and red blood cells.

—Paul G. Donahue

laboratory testing noun

or less commonly lab testing

… it has survived nearly two years of strenuous independent laboratory testing and been certified safe for home and commercial use.

—Harper's

Examples of laboratory test in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, people have to step away from work, school or other responsibilities to endure dozens of laboratory tests and scans that are not only expensive, but also stressful and time-consuming. —Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025

Your provider may order laboratory tests to make a definite diagnosis. —Laura Schober, Health, 7 Mar. 2025

Listen to this article A boil water order in Skokie was lifted Sunday evening, according to an update from village officials, after laboratory tests confirmed tap water was safe to drink and use for cooking and hygiene. —Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025

After gynecological and laboratory tests were performed, staff determined that the woman did not recently give birth. —Christine Pelisek, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for laboratory test

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed