Why doesn't repeat testing of my wool give identical results?

The properties of wool as a natural fibre are influenced by genetics, environment and nutrition, management and disease.

Wool is an extremely variable commodity and wool testing is used to provide an estimate of its properties based on a sample taken from the bulk.

Because wool is variable, no two samples are the same. Consequently, even if there is no variation in the measurement equipment there will always be variation arising from sampling.

However, variation due to measurement equipment and preparation of samples does exist and adds to the variation between individual samples.

In establishing standard test methods scientists attempt to minimise the effects of all sources of variation, but it is simply not possible to eliminate them.