What is Sample Turnaround?

Sample turnaround is the total time from when a sample is taken to when the results are published.  Total sample turnaround can be broken down into two parts.

• Transit Time: The time from when a sample is taken to when it arrives at a Fluid Life laboratory and setup for analysis.

• Lab Analysis: The time from when a sample is setup in the lab system to when the results are published, and the report made available to the oil analysis user.

How can I monitor turnaround?

There are a couple ways that a Fluid Life oil analysis user can monitor sample turnaround. 

Turnaround Dashboard Graph

• Review overall turnaround (transit time and lab analysis) by using myLab’s Turnaround Dashboard Graph (Home>>Dashboard Graphs>>Program Health).
• This method provides “average” turnaround times on batches of samples. 
• The sample batches can be modified by different variables including time, customer, unit type and component type. 
• Compare the turnaround of your different fleets, shops and garages, sites or locations, areas within your plant or mill, etc.      

DatA Export

Exporting your data through myLab, ODBC driver, API data transfer, etc. will provide you with more granular turnaround information.  Oil analysis data export reports will provide the sample dates, process dates (sample setup date at the Fluid Life lab) and release dates (results are published) on individual samples.

How is sample turnaround information useful? 

One of the keys to a good oil analysis program is being able to get your samples to the lab as quickly as possible.  After all, if there is an issue with your equipment, you want to know sooner than later so corrective actions can be taken.  Transit Time allows you to monitor your sampling handling process and determine where the bottle necks are (sample collection time, warehouse processing time, courier shipping times).  You can add more detail to Transit Time information by implementing a custom sample registration process where Sample Registration Date, Sample Date and Shipment Date can all be tracked individually.   

The Importance of Proper Sample Information

Make sure you are providing the correct sample date information to your Fluid Life oil analysis lab.  If the sample date is missing, it will default to the day the sample is setup in the lab system for analysis. 

Additional Resources

Article: Oil Sampling: Military Intelligence for Your Equipment
Article: Sample Timing