The following example shows cases of categorical data that cannot be considered as numeric, even though in some cases it appears that the data includes a number. The allowed values in these ranges should be defined in the data definition file. Samples were collected at one point and not over a given interval.
Rows 1-2:
Show an example of urine ketones tests performed for 2 animals. The test's values are categorical, using a list (i.e., NEGATIVE, TRACE, SMALL, MODERATE, LARGE), the range of which is referenced in LBSTRNRC. LBSTRESN is left null.
Rows 3-4:
Show an example of urine bilirubin tests performed for 2 animals. The test's values are categorical, using a list (i.e., NEGATIVE, 1+, 2+, 3+) which represents qualitative levels. Although the 1+, 2+, and 3+ values could be converted to numbers, the values represent a nonnumeric category based on an arbitrary scale; therefore, LBSTRESN is left blank.
Rows 5-6:
Show an example of urine protein tests performed for 2 animals. The test's values are categorical, using a list (i.e., NEGATIVE, TRACE, 30, 100). Although the 30 and 100 values could be converted as numbers, the values represent a nonnumeric label of the result; therefore, LBSTRESN is left blank.