Add a Preparation Template

The Preparation Template is a structured and efficient solution designed to streamline the sample preparation process in the laboratory. This tool allows users to create a standardized template that accommodates various preparation requirements, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all pre-analysis workflows. It enables you to define specific preparation steps, incorporate quality control elements such as sample splits, and organize the placement of QC materials within the batch.

The Preparation Template is assigned a 'prep code', which determines how the template is applied to sample batches. Each sample batch also has a prep code assigned, allowing the system to match the appropriate preparation template to the batch and initiate the preparation process.

This activity describes how to create a new preparation template, including all available options for defining preparation requirements and incorporating quality control components. It also covers different methods for arranging the placement of QC materials within the template.

Activity Steps

1. On the Profile ribbon tab, click Preparation Templates.

   The Preparation Template screen displays.

2. Click New.

   The Add Template screen displays.

3. Complete the following fields as required:

   • Template Name—A unique name. If the name already exists, an error message displays indicating the name is duplicated.

   • Description

   • Prep Code—Select the analysis code that corresponds to the template.

   • Add Tray Break—Trays are divisions in the preparation sheet of a sample batch. Used to create tray breaks when a batch contains too many samples to be processed at once.

   • Count All Samples

4. Click OK.

5. To create the template structure:

   1. Select the Template Name and click Setup.

      The Preparation Template screen displays, with the template name and the assigned prep code on the top left corner.

   2. To add samples to the template:

      1. Set the Analysis Type to Sample to define sample positions in the template. These samples come from the sample batch and are inserted into the lab job template as Sample 1, Sample 2, and so on.
      2. Click the Add Analysis icon to add the sample to the template builder.
      3. Repeat steps b 2 to add more samples.
   3. To add sample splits:
      1. Set the Analysis Type to Split.
      2. Select the split from the newly enable field. More than one sample split can be created. For more information, see Add Sample Splits.
      3. In the template builder, click the column to the right of the Line column to select the sample for which you want to enter a split.
      4. Click the Add Analysis icon to add the sample to the template.
      5. Repeat steps c 2-4 to add additional client sample splits.
   4. To add other of the quality control components; for example, Prep Blanks:
      1. Set the Analysis Type to QC Sample.
      2. Select the standard from the newly enable field.
      3. In the template builder, click the column to the right of Line column to select the row after you want to add the quality control.
      4. Click the Add Analysis icon to add the quality control to the template.
      5. Repeat steps d 2-4 to add additional quality controls.

   5. To change the position of quality control components in the list:

      1. In the template builder, click the column to the right of the Line column to select the row you want to move up or down.

      2. Click the Move Up or Move Down icon to move the quality control.

         Note: Although the duplicate sample can be moved up or down in the list, it remains tied to the original sample selected when the duplicate was added.

   6. To apply tray breaks:

      Note: If, for example, fire assay ovens can hold only 24 samples, you may divide a large batch into trays of 24 samples to create laboratory jobs accordingly. Tray breaks are visible in the preparation sheet on the Sample Batches page.

      1. Click the column right to the Line column to select where you want to add or remove a tray break.

      2. Click Insert Tray Break icon to insert a tray break.

      3. Click Remove Tray Break icon to remove a tray break.

6. To apply offset options to the quality control components dynamically:

   Note: The additional option to dynamically organize QC samples allows them to be positioned relative to either the beginning or the end of a tray or batch. To ensure QC samples consistently appear in the desired location, they should be placed in a fixed position within the template—such as the first few rows (for example, positions 1, 2, and 3)—which are always present regardless of the number of samples. From there, more detailed settings can be used to dynamically offset their position.

   1. Click the column to the right of the Line column to select the QC for which you want to dynamically change the position.

   2. Click the Edit Analysis icon.

      The Edit Prep Template screen displays with the name of the sample being edited in the top-left corner.

   3. Select from the following:

      • Randomize—Randomizes the position of the QC sample with every new laboratory job created.

      • Keep with Prev—Ensures the current QC sample remains grouped with the previous one.

   4. Complete the following fields in the Select Condition category group:

      • Min Measurement—The minimum weight accepted.

      • Units

      • Sample Type

      • Exclude Client QC Samples—If selected the AssayNet LIMS exclude any other QC to be created from the same sample. For example, you can apply these restrictions to a sample that includes a duplicate in the template. In this case, any additional QC sample is not applied to the sample.

      • Count Previous Samples—AssayNet keeps track of previous batches where a quality control sample was added to ensure it is applied after a specified number of samples. For example, if splits are set to be applied every 20 samples, the system maintains a running count across batches to ensure the split is consistently applied after every 20 samples.

   5. To apply a separate package, select a Package.

      Note: The package is applied to all samples loaded in the batch, including QC samples added as part of the preparation template. However, you can individually assign packages to specific samples within the template when required.

   6. To offset the QC position dynamically, select one of the following options from Offset category group and enter the required number in the corresponding fields. To offset QC samples from the end, use negative numbers.

      • None

      • From current position

      • From Beginning of Tray

      • From end of Tray

      • From beginning of Batch

      • From end of Batch

   7. Click OK.

   8. Click Close.

7. To clone an existing template:

   Note: An existing laboratory job template can be cloned when its structure is similar to the new template.

   1. Select the Template Name with the similar structure.

   2. Click Clone.

      The Edit Template screen displays.

   3. Update the fields as required. You must enter a different Template Name for the new template.

   4. Click OK.

8. To delete a template, you must first remove all existing samples and quality control components from the Analysis Template screen.

   1. Click Setup.

   2. The Preparation Template screen displays.

   3. Click the Remove All icon to remove everything from the template builder.

   4. Click Close.

   5. Click Remove.