Analytical Result Prep Date

The prepDate on an AnalyticalResult marks when the lab processed the sample — for example, extraction or digestion — prior to the instrument analysis recorded in analysisDate. Together, prepDate and analysisDate are used to calculate holding times: the interval between sample collection from the parent SamplingEvent's sampleDate and analysis must not exceed method-specified limits. Exceeding the holding time can invalidate results under many regulatory programs, which is why a holdingTimeViolation relation exists on the AnalyticalResult to flag these situations automatically.