Import Results from a Text File (CSV)

Results can be imported manually from a text file or a comma-delimited (CSV) file. While most laboratories use a configured Import Template to automatically match and load results (see Configure an Import Template), there are cases where manual import is necessary. This method allows users to manually match sample IDs and analyte schemes between AssayNet LIMS and the imported file, ensuring results are correctly assigned (see Import Instrument Run Data).

The Import Template can be configured to import multiple files at once, for improved efficiency compared to an Excel file. When an instrument exports analysis results into several CSV files or a dedicated folder, the import template can be set up to match the instrument's export format. These settings remain the same whether results are imported automatically or manually. Additionally, a one-time edit to the Import Template can be made to accommodate temporary changes in the instrument’s export format when importing results manually.

This activity describes the steps for manually importing results from a CSV file.

Activity Steps

  1. On the Job Book screen, click Instrument Runs.
  2. Locate and select the Run ID.
  3. Alternatively, use any AssayNet LIMS page to locate and select the corresponding Batch Code or Job Number.
    1. Click Working View, then locate and select the Run ID.

  4. Click the Data command button.

    The Data Capture screen displays.

  5. To import data from a text file (CSV):

    1. Set the Import Source to ASCII Text File.

      2. The Import Analytical Data screen displays.

    2. Click OK.

  6. To edit the default template when required:

    Note: The settings in the import template for that instrument serve as the default for loading results. Ensure that the correct layout is selected in the File Layout category of the Import Template.

    1. Click Edit.

      The Setup Import Template screen displays.

    2. Use the Configure an Import Template activity to modify the import settings for this specific import. These modifications are temporary and will not be saved.

      The system attempts to automatically import the file or folder based on the location set in the Configure an Import Template activity. If no file is loaded:

  7. Click Import.

  8. Locate and select the text file.

    9. The data displays as raw in the Raw Data table and as formatted in the Parsed Data table, based on the Import Template settings.

  9. Click Next.

    10. The system displays analyte data from the instrument run and the text file in the Run and Text File tables. The analyte names that match in both tables are automatically aligned and sent to the bottom table.

  10. Click Next.

    11. The system displays sample ID data from the instrument run and the text file in the Run and Text File tables. The sample IDs that match in both tables are automatically aligned and sent to the bottom table.

  11. To manually match any unmatched data in the analytes and sample ID columns:

    1. Select values from the Run and Text File tables.
    2. Click the down arrow icon to match the selected values and send them to the bottom table
    3. If all values should be matched, click the blue down arrow with a line at the end to send all values.
    4. Click Next.
  12. Click Next.

  13. Click Finish and Close.

    The results are populated in the Data screen.