What information should be included in VT indication documentation?

• A. Location and size only.
• B. Date only.
• C. Location, size/estimate, type, lighting conditions, surface condition, disposition.
• D. Material grade only.

Answer: (C)

Capturing what and where you found a VT indication, how big it appears, what kind of indication it is, and how it was observed is essential for clear communication and traceability. Location tells exactly where on the part the defect sits, which is essential for locating it during repair or reinspection. Size or an estimate gives a sense of severity and helps apply acceptance criteria or plan remediation. The type of defect (crack, scratch, porosity, surface imperfection, etc.) informs what kind of flaw it is and what actions are appropriate.

Describing lighting conditions is important because visibility can change with lighting; certain flaws become visible or hidden depending on angle, intensity, and glare, so note how you viewed the surface to support confidence in the finding. Surface condition matters because coatings, contamination, paint, or roughness can conceal or mimic indications and affect interpretation and acceptance. Disposition records the decision taken—whether the indication is acceptable, requires repair, or needs additional inspection—so the documentation supports traceability and follow-up actions.

Other options fall short because they omit one or more of these critical elements. For example, listing only location and size misses the defect’s nature, visibility context, surface effects, and what was decided to do about it. Date or material grade alone does not provide the actionable information needed to interpret or reuse the VT result. The comprehensive set of six items ensures the indication can be accurately understood, compared, and acted upon.