Comparative test

A comparative test was an analysis that compared two samples to look for similarities and differences.

In 2268, using a medical tricorder, Doctor Leonard McCoy ran a comparative test on blood samples from Parmen and Alexander to determine if any difference between them might be responsible for the former's powers of psychokinesis and the latter's lack of same. Kironide was found to be the differential factor, as Alexander's pituitary deficiency did not enable him to metabolize it. (TOS: "Plato's Stepchildren")