How the sample results are processed

The MES system does the following while updating and adding the results:

• Supersedes the specified result and creates a new entry for the result, by using the new value while updating an existing result.

• Ensures that the maximum number of samples for the characteristic has not been exceeded, and then assigns the next available value number to the result, while adding new result records to a characteristic within a sample.

If the value number exceeds the minimum number of samples for all the characteristics when the result entries are saved, the status of the sample changes to:

• Complete if the current time is before the sample expiration

• Complete Late if the current time is after the sample expiration

The run rules are tested (if the result that is added or updated meets the minimum sample size for characteristic) and the sample result status is updated if any violations occur. See Sample and result statuses.