Which of the following is a disadvantage of qualitative testing?

Qualitative testing is primarily focused on determining the presence or absence of particular attributes or substances rather than measuring them quantitatively. This fundamental characteristic means that qualitative tests cannot provide specific numerical values or concentrations, making them less suitable for applications that require precise measurements. Thus, while qualitative tests are valuable for initial screenings or assessments, they lack the capability to furnish quantitative data, which is often necessary for thorough analysis and decision-making.

In many scenarios, quantitative measurements are crucial for understanding the extent of a phenomenon, verifying compliance with regulatory standards, or making informed clinical decisions. Therefore, the inability of qualitative testing to offer these quantitative insights is a significant disadvantage in contexts where such information is essential.