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

When a laboratory test returns positive, health departments usually prompt physicians to provide the additional clinical information needed to meet the case definition. —John Drake, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Two more fell ill soon after, and laboratory tests showed that Campylobacter jejuni had caused the illnesses. —Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024

Join 2 others in the comments View Comments As part of TIE’s research, independent laboratory tests were carried out on the products the group bought, which included a baby teething toy that could easily break into small parts, posing a risk of choking. —Anna Cooban, CNN, 17 Oct. 2024

While additional laboratory tests have been carried out to confirm the cause of death, there are currently no other causes. —Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above