Which term describes variability among test results obtained from testing the same sample in different laboratories?

• A. Repeatability
• B. Reproducibility
• C. Agreement
• D. Precision

Answer: (B)

Variability when the same sample is tested in different laboratories is called reproducibility. This term captures how much results differ due to inter-lab differences such as different instruments, reagents, or technicians. It contrasts with repeatability, which describes how close results are when the same lab uses the same method, same instrument, and usually the same operator. Precision is a broader idea about how tightly clustered measurements are, but when focusing on differences across laboratories specifically, reproducibility is the precise descriptor. Agreement isn’t the standard term used for this scenario.