Calculate cost per reportable test from total supply cost and tests, with simple or adjusted modes for unreportable rates in one step.
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Cost Per Reportable Test Formula
The cost per reportable test is the supply cost divided by the number of tests that can be reported as valid results.
- CPRT = cost per reportable test
- C = total cost of supplies
- R = reportable tests produced
For the simple mode, you enter the total supply cost and the number of reportable tests. The calculator divides cost by reportable tests.
- T = total tests performed
- U = unreportable rate as a percent
- R = adjusted reportable tests
For the adjusted mode, the calculator first reduces total tests performed by the unreportable rate. It then divides the total supply cost by the estimated reportable test count. This is a planning estimate that may be fractional; use actual reportable counts when known.
Illustrative Unreportable Rate Bands
The following bands illustrate the effect of loss; they are not validated typical rates or performance benchmarks. Use your own records for the same batch or period.
| Unreportable rate | Illustrative description | Effect on cost per reportable test |
|---|---|---|
| 0% to 2% | Very low loss | Cost stays close to the simple cost per test |
| 3% to 5% | 3% to 5% modeled loss | Cost rises modestly |
| 6% to 10% | Noticeable test loss | Cost per reportable result increases clearly |
| Over 10% | High loss rate | Cost may be significantly higher than expected |
Illustrative Supply Cost Bands
| Cost per reportable test | Illustrative description |
|---|---|
| Under $0.50 | Lower illustrated cost band; not an assay benchmark |
| $0.50 to $2.00 | Illustrated cost band; no testing-volume inference |
| $2.00 to $10.00 | Illustrated cost band; compare matching cost bases |
| Over $10.00 | Higher illustrated band; no assay or waste inference |
Examples
Example 1: Simple cost per reportable test
You spent $1,250 on supplies and produced 500 reportable tests.
The cost per reportable test is $2.50.
Example 2: Adjusted for unreportable tests
You spent $1,250 on supplies, performed 520 total tests, and had a 5% unreportable rate.
The adjusted cost per reportable test is $2.5304, or about $2.53.
FAQ
What counts as a reportable test?
A reportable test is a test that produces a valid result you can use or release. Failed tests, invalid runs, repeats caused by errors, contaminated samples, or tests without a usable result are usually not counted as reportable.
Why does the adjusted cost per reportable test increase when there are unreportable tests?
Unreportable tests still use supplies, but they do not produce usable results. Because the same supply cost is spread over fewer reportable results, the cost per reportable test goes up.
Should labor, equipment, or overhead be included?
This calculator is based on supply cost. If you want a fuller cost per reportable test, you can include other costs in the total cost field, such as labor, controls, calibrators, equipment allocation, or overhead. Just make sure you use the same cost categories each time you compare results.
