Should fixer-clearing time on Tmax include colour removal?

When I test the clearing of the base of T-max 100 (in Paterson fixer, diluted 1:3) the base gets clear pretty fast (about 35 seconds) but when I then double that time and then wash it, it leaves the film blue. However, if I extend the fixing time to 4x times the clearing time, I can wash away all the colour. So, here's my questions:

1) Is the definition of a clear film base different for T-max 100 and should include removal of colour as well?

2) Do the test strips of film have to be immersed in developer first in order to get the "true" clearing time?

Until I get an answer on this I'll stick to Tri-x and Fuji Neopan 400 :-)

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