Characterization

In the laboratory world, characterization, as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency via its SEDD Specification Version 5.2, "applies to the sample as received by the data generator. This includes recording or measuring sample characteristics such as color, texture, temperature, moisture, pH, etc. All such data is reported in characteristic nodes under the appropriate sample plus method node using various data elements." Characterization might include a screening process to determine which variant of a method to apply (e.g., determining the level for organics).