# About Multi Stage Testing

 In some cases, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) methods may require multiple sequential stages or levels of testing for Dissolution (testing how the drug behaves in an environment mimicking the human body) and Content Uniformity (making sure that every single sample in a batch has exactly the same amount of the active ingredient). If [configured](/en/lr/1007508/) by an Admin, Veeva LIMS allows Design Data Admins to set up multi stage tests at the *Test Definition* level, in turn simplifying running the tests for Lab Analysts.

## Creating a Test Definition for Multi Stage Testing

 The Test Definition Builder guides you through the creation of each stage in a multi stage test, defined using a *Test Definition Variation*. All stage *Variations* for the same multi stage test are grouped together in a *Test Definition Variation Group*. The builder automatically creates a default group when creating a multi stage test, but you can also create additional groups in cases where the same test method will be reused for multiple products. For example, you can model the same dissolution method used for two finished products as two *Test Definition Variation Groups* instead of separate *Test Definitions*.

 Creating a *Test Definition* for multi stage testing follows the standard Test Definition Builder [process](/en/lr/335412/#create) for creating a *Test Definition* except as noted below: 


1. In the *Create Test Definition* dialog, after selecting a *Mode of Entry*, set **Test Type** to **Multi-Stage.**
2. In the **Define Steps** section, enter a **Number of Replicates** as needed to be automatically created for each *Result*. Replicates are copies of existing *Results* used to capture information that may be performed multiple times during test execution.
3. When adding *Test Definition Result Criteria* to *Results*, select **Stage Evaluation** in the **Purpose** field. 
4. The **Define Groups & Stages** section includes a subsection for each *Test Definition Variation Group* you defined and each subsection contains a column for each stage you defined. Here, you can change the order of the stages and set stage-level acceptance criteria.

## Working with Multi Stage Tests

As a Lab Analyst, [*Test Execution*](/en/lr/51412711/) for a multi stage test is the same as for a standard test except as noted here. Once you perform the required tests, enter your results, and click **Evaluate**, the system evaluates all criteria as normal, but uses only the *Stage Evaluation Criteria* to determine whether the stage passes or fails. If it fails, testing must progress to the next stage. Select **Actions > Generate Next Test** to proceed.

As you progress through stages, the system calculates aggregate values such as averages, minimum, and maximum across all stages, as applicable

## Required Permissions

Design Data Admins must have the following permissions to set up *Test Definitions* for multi stage tests:

* *Lab Test Definition* object: Read/Edit access on the *Test Type* field
* *Lab Test Definition Variation Group*: Create/Read/Edit/Delete (for the *Staged Testing Group* object type)
* *Lab Test Definition Variation Group*: Read/Edit on the *Order* field
* *Method Criteria* object type for the *Lab Test Definition Criteria* object: Read/Create/Edit/Delete
* *Spec Data Sample Action*: Read/Edit access on the *Test Definition Variation Group* field