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

The defense also argued that the police were biased against their client and emphasized that laboratory tests on the protein shake containers did not show traces of poison. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025

First, as Paul points out, laboratory tests may not be conclusive or may appear normal, even when the patient is clearly experiencing abnormal symptoms. —Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 7 July 2025

Diagnosing stage 4 lymphoma requires a physical exam, imaging, and laboratory tests to determine the stage. —Gagandeep Brar, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025

The agent automatically compiles comprehensive health summaries for doctors, recommends imaging and laboratory tests, and provides clinical decision support—saving time, reducing paperwork, improving diagnostic accuracy, and enhancing the patient experience. —Gil Press, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 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