A clear rework record separates the original result, the corrective action, the scope of retesting, and the final status supported by that retesting.
Rework does not erase the original result
When a sample passes after rework, its status should not be presented simply as passed. The record should state that the sample initially failed or showed a defined nonconformity, underwent a specified rework action, and subsequently passed the items that were retested. Keeping the before-and-after results preserves the sequence of evidence and prevents the final result from concealing the sample’s history.
Define the scope of the new result
A post-rework pass applies only to the characteristics actually re-examined. If one dimension was corrected and measured again, that result supports the corrected dimension; it does not automatically reconfirm appearance, function, cleanliness, packaging, or any other untested characteristic. A broader compliant status requires either complete reinspection or a documented rationale showing why the rework could not affect the remaining characteristics.
Separate sample and lot decisions
The sample record and the disposition of its lot are related but distinct. The NIST/SEMATECH e-Handbook explains that acceptance sampling uses information from a sample to decide whether a lot is likely to be acceptable. Therefore, one repaired sample passing a limited retest is not, by itself, a new acceptance decision for the entire lot. Any lot-level conclusion must follow the applicable sampling and disposition rules.
A defensible status statement
A useful statement identifies the sample or batch reference, the original nonconformity, the rework performed, the date and scope of retesting, each retest result, and every item that remains pending or was not repeated. The conclusion can then read: reworked; specified items retested and passed; other items retain their previous status or remain unverified. This wording communicates a successful result without expanding it beyond the available evidence.