Create an Instrument Run

The final step in an analytical laboratory workflow is instrumental analysis, where analyte concentrations in samples are determined. In this step, you can create an instrument run from the Laboratory Jobs page, similar to how laboratory jobs are created from the Client Jobs page.

If an analysis does not require preparation before instrumental analysis, the system can automatically create an instrument run when the batch is loaded. For more details, see Configure Instrument Run Options for Analysis Codes.

You can create a template from the Analysis Method or from the Instrument Type. Both options are similar and can be used.

You can also create an instrument run using a template, which ensures consistency in organizing samples, managing auto-positions for instruments with autosamplers, and adding control and calibration standards. For more details, see Add an Instrument Run Template.

Instrument labels can be generated and saved in a predefined folder for import into the instrument. These labels contain the necessary data for analytical readings. To automate this process, specify the folder in the Sample Labels section of the Import Template and enable the Auto Export option in the Analysis Code. The user must also have the appropriate permissions to save files in the selected folder. For more details, see Configure an Import Template.

This activity describes how to automatically create an instrument run from the Laboratory Jobs page, merge multiple laboratory jobs into a single instrument run, and select the appropriate Run Template when needed. It also describes how to print the list of instrument runs to facilitate monitoring and tracking.

Activity Steps

On the Job Book screen, click Sample Batches.
1. Locate and select the Sample Batch.
  
  Note: You can also locate the Job Number directly on the Laboratory Jobs page.
2. Click Working View.
Click Runs.

The Laboratory Job + Job Number screen displays.
Select whether to use Instruments Type or Analysis Method.

Note: Instrument Type is the default option used when creating instrument runs. However, Analysis Methods can also be selected during instrument run creation, offering additional flexibility. This allows a single Analysis Code—which governs how instrument runs are configured—to support multiple analysis methods, depending on the needs of the operation.
In the Run Details Category group complete the following fields as required

Note: Multiple of the fields can be pre-defined for the instrument run in the analysis code option, including the whether to use the Instrument Type or Analysis methods. For more information, see Configure Analysis Codes Options. Modification of the fields in the Laboratory Job + Job Number screen are a one time modification for the instrument run being created. Most of the fields are filled when this screen is open, only change the fields when required. The Created By field only has the user which is logged in as the option.
- Instrument
- Description
- Date Started
- Time Started
- Status
- Approval
  
  Note: If a run template is required, the package assigns a default template. If correctly configured, it applies automatically when creating an instrument run and displays in the Template field. Otherwise, you must manually select the appropriate template.
- Template
  
  Note: Ensure the Use Template option is checked. This setting can be checked by default.
  
  Note: You can only select run templates associated with the same analysis code. To view all available templates, select Show All Templates.
To modify the fields in the Option category group.:
1. Select from the following in the Options category group:
  - Show Trays—Shows the tray divisions in the laboratory job.
  - Setup Run—This option is selected by default.
  - Lock Instrument Runs—Locks the instrument run from making change to it structure. This option is selected by default.
To create an instrument run from a single laboratory job:
1. On the Job Book screen, click Laboratory Jobs.
  1. Select the Job Number.
2. In the command menu, click Runs.
  
  The selected laboratory job number screen displays.
3. Click the top-right arrow.
  
  The system adds the instrument run to the Instrument Run page, assigning it a sequential instrument run number.
4. Click Close.
To combine multiple batches into a single instrument run:

Note: When merging laboratory jobs into a single instrument run, ensure they share the same analysis code to prevent conflicts due to differing configurations.
1. Select the Job Number in the Laboratory Job page.
2. In the command menu, click Instrument Runs.
  
  The laboratory job number screen displays.
3. Click the Add Lab Jobs icon.
  
  The Select Laboratory Jobs screen displays client jobs based on the current Job Book view. If Working View is selected, it shows laboratory jobs for the selected sample batch under the Working tab.
4. Click Normal View to display all jobs. The system sorts laboratory jobs in descending order.
5. Locate and select the required Job Number.
6. To select multiple jobs, hold the Shift key and drag the mouse to highlight the job numbers.
7. You can also filter laboratory jobs:
  1. Click Filter.
    
    The Filter Options screen displays.
  2. Apply filters as required. See Filter Data in the Laboratory Job Page.
8. Click OK.
9. Alternatively, enter the Job Number in the field above the Laboratory Job window and click the Add Laboratory Job icon. Repeat as needed to add multiple jobs.
10. Use the Move Up and Move Down icons to adjust the job order in the instrument run.
11. Click the top-right arrow.
  
  The system adds the instrument run to the Instrument Run screen with a sequential run number.
12. Click Close.
To print the list of instrument runs:
1. On the Instrument Run Page, click Print.
  
  A new window displays the list of all instrument runs.
2. Apply a filter to print only the filtered records. See Filter Data in the Instrument Run Page.
3. Right-click on the screen and select Print from the menu.