This International Standard provides procedures for the laboratory testing of both drilling fluid materials and drilling fluid physical, chemical and performance properties. It is applicable to both water-based and oil-based drilling fluids, as well as the base or "make-up" fluid.

It is not applicable as a detailed manual on drilling fluid control procedures. Recommendations regarding agitation and testing temperature are presented because the agitation history and temperature have a profound effect on drilling fluid properties.

This edition of API 13I is the identical national adoption of ISO 10416:2008, Petroleum and natural gas industries-Drilling fluids-Laboratory testing.