1.1 This practice covers a procedure for detecting and reducing sources of variation in a test method early in its development and prior to an interlaboratory study. One of the main purposes of the procedure, by means of a ruggedness or screening program, is the elimination of test methods that exhibit poor precision even after vigorous efforts to reduce their variability.

1.2 This practice covers, in very general terms, techniques for planning, conducting, and analyzing results from a few laboratories to establish whether a well written test method is good enough to justify an interlaboratory study. Annex A1 provides the details of the procedure with an example and Annex A2 gives the theoretical background.

1.3 This practice is intended to be used before spending the time and money required to conduct a full scale interlaboratory study, such as those in Practices C670, C802, or E691.

1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of whoever uses this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.