The test Item is the material whose properties or safety are being investigated - an article that is the subject of the study

The test Item is used in conjunction with the reference Item.

Reference Item (control Item) means any article used to provide a basis for comparison with the test item

The reference item can be a control substance with known effects, or an analytical reference standard.

It is also necessary that a sample from each batch of the test item is retained for analytical purposes in the archives for future confirmation.