spot test
Americannoun
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an informal test run without elaborate preparation in order to obtain an immediate sample response.
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Chemistry. a test for the identification of an element or compound by means of a reagent that produces a characteristic color change or precipitate.
Etymology
Origin of spot test
First recorded in 1925–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Currently, the NHS offers a blood spot test when a baby is five days old for nine rare but serious conditions.
From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026
And as always, do a spot test first.
From Salon • Jul. 24, 2022
He is urging the Irish government to introduced the blood spot test alongside the heel prick test given to babies at birth.
From BBC • Jul. 4, 2022
ALD is not routinely checked for in the UK as part of the newborn heel prick or blood spot test screening programme, but is in some other countries.
From BBC • Jul. 22, 2019
The newborn heel prick or blood spot test involves taking a small sample of your baby's blood for screening, usually during the first week after birth.
From BBC • Jul. 22, 2019
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
