Add and Configure Packages

In AssayNet LIMS, packages represent the final step in configuring laboratory analysis. A package is a group of analysis codes and analyte schemes that can be customized to meet the specific requirements of a test request. Because packages can be tailored to a client's specifications, they can also be assigned to client projects, helping to organize and manage each client's analytical needs.

Packages allow you to assign analysis codes and modify specific settings for a particular suite of analyses—for example, adjusting initial and final measurement options, or specifying laboratory job and instrument run templates.

This activity describes how to create a new package and configure it by assigning existing analysis codes, and linking the appropriate laboratory job and instrument run templates.

Activity Steps

On the Profile ribbon tab, under the Analysis group, click Package.
The Packages screen displays.
To create a new package:
1. Click New.
  The Add Package screen displays.
2. Complete the following fields as required:
  - Code—Unique identifier for the package, a maximum of 50 characters.
  - Name—Descriptive name of the package for easier identification, a maximum of 100 characters.
  - Note—Optional field for entering any internal notes or comments related to the package.
  - Standard—Description or reference text providing additional detail or specifications for the package, such as methodology or compliance notes.
  - Replicate Samples—Specifies how many replicate samples are to be included in the batch based on this package.
  - Frequency—Indicates the frequency at which replicates or QC samples are inserted (e.g., every 10 samples).
  - Site—The specific site or location to which this package belongs. Required when multiple sites share the same LIMS.
  - Report Template—Defines which report format is used when generating results associated with this package.
  - QC Sample—Sets the quality control sample configuration for the package.
  - NCS Code—Optional field used to assign a predefined non-conformance sample code if applicable.
  - Active—Activates or deactivates the package for selection.
  - Accredited—Marks the package as associated with an accredited test, for compliance or certification purposes.
  - Random Position—Enables random placement of QC or replicate samples within the batch instead of fixed positions.
  - Count Previous Batches—Maintains a count of samples from previous batches when calculating when to insert QC samples (e.g., split every 20 samples across batches).
  - QC Sample—Sets the quality control sample configuration for the package.
  - NCS Code—Optional field used to assign a predefined non-conformance sample code (if applicable).
  - Active—Activate or deactivate the package for selection.
  - Accredited—Marks the package as associated with an accredited test, for compliance or certification purposes.
  - Random Position—Enables random placement of QC or replicate samples within the batch instead of fixed positions.
  - Count Previous Batches—Maintains a count of samples from previous batches when calculating where to insert QC samples (for example, prep split every 20 samples across batches).
3. Click OK.
To clone a package from an existing package:
Note: You can clone an existing package when it has similar conditions and parameters as the new package.
1. Select the existing Package that has similar characteristics.
2. Click Clone.
  The Clone Package screen displays.
3. Update the fields as required.
4. Click OK.
To assign an analysis code to the package:
1. Select the package.
2. Click Setup » Analysis Code.
  The Package Code screen displays.
3. Click New.
  The Add Package Analysis Code screen displays.
4. Complete the following fields as required:
  - Analysis Code—Select the analysis code that defines the conditions. You must have an analysis code created. For more information, see Create and Configure Analysis Codes.
  - Priority—Sets the urgency level for the analysis, which can affect turnaround time or reporting order.
  - Lab Job Template—Select the laboratory job template associated with the analysis code required for the client the package is for. A laboratory job template must have been created for the selected Analysis Code. For more information, see Add a Laboratory Template.
  - Instrument Run Template—Selects the instrument run template associated with the analysis code required for the client for which the package is for. An instrument run template must have been created for the selected Analysis Code. For more information, see Add an Instrument Run Template.
  - Source Package—Optionally links to another package from which analytes or configuration settings can be sourced.
  - Product—Links the analysis to a specific product, which helps with reporting and organization.
  - Turnaround—Specifies the expected time to complete the analysis, in either days or hours.
  - Replicate—Indicates if replicate analyses should be performed for this analysis code (and how many).
  - Target Initial Measurement—Defines a target value for the initial measurement. This setting may differ from the specifications defined in the Laboratory Job Options category of the Edit Analysis Code screen, allowing the creation of different packages using the same analysis code but with different set conditions for analysis. The Target Initial Measurement defaults to the value entered in the analysis code options (if any).
  - Target Final Measurement—Defines a target value for the final measurement, used for monitoring the success of preparation or instrumental analysis. This setting may differ from the specifications defined in the Laboratory Job Options category of the Edit Analysis Code screen, allowing the creation of different packages using the same analysis code but with different set conditions for analysis. The Target Final Measurement defaults to the value entered in the analysis code options (if any).
  - Laboratory Job Dilution—Sets a default dilution factor at the laboratory job stage.
  - Instrument Run Dilution—Sets a default dilution factor for the instrument run phase.
  - Show Source Package in Reports—If checked, the source package name displays in client reports.
  - Show Source Package in Invoices—If checked, the source package name displays in client invoices.
  - Auto Add Products—Automatically associates the product defined in the analysis code with the samples when this package is used.
  - Select Merge Analysis Codes from the following:
    - From Analysis Code—Uses the merge setting defined in the analysis code.
    - Do not merge—Forces the system not to merge duplicate analysis codes.
    - Merge—Merges analysis codes to prevent duplication in the final reporting or processing.
5. Click OK.
6. To add additional analysis codes, repeat steps 4 c-e.
7. Click Close.
To add additional schemes specific to this package:
Note: Analyte schemes are automatically added to the package based on those assigned in the analysis code. For more information, see Create and Configure Analysis Codes. Generally the package only is assigned the same analyte schemes as the analysis codes and not extra one need to be assigned.
1. Click Setup » Analyte Schemes.
  The Package Scheme screen displays.
2. Click Add.
  The Analyte Schemes screen displays.
3. Select the Analyte Schemes. You can select multiple schemes to send to the package.
4. Click Send to Analysis Code icon to send the analyte scheme into the analysis code.
  Note: Use Analyte Type, Analyte or Method filters to narrow down the analyte schemes.
5. Repeat steps 5 d-e to send more analytes to the package.
To set schemes to report:
Note: You want to set to Report the schemes that you want to appear in the final report.
1. Select the Scheme.
2. Click Report multiple times to set the schemes to one of the following options:
  - Yes—All the values are reported.
  - No
  - Data Only—The final report includes client samples only.
  - QC Only—The final report includes QC samples only.
To flag results for analyte schemes:
Note: Samples that fall outside the defined conditions are not visually flagged on the Result Summary screen. However, they are internally flagged by the system and can be automatically sent for retesting using the Auto option in the Retest screen. For more information, see Configure a Sample Retest. Re-assays for flagged results are performed through the Retest option on the Results Summary screen. You can also use the Package Retest option to expedite retest creation.
Note: Alternatively You could also use Validation Rules to configure criteria for different pass/fail conditions. For more information, see Create and Configure Validation Rules.
1. Click Setup » Analyte Schemes.
  The Package Scheme screen displays.
2. Double click on the scheme to flag.
  The Edit Package Scheme screen displays with the corresponding Analysis Code and Units.
3. Select Flag Results. If checked, results outside either of the following conditions are internally flagged:
  - Higher than
  - Lower than
4. Enter the value to be flagged in the field to the right.
  Note: The units for the value are the same units attached to the selected analyte scheme.
1. Click Close.
To update the units if required:
1. Select the required Units.
1. Click OK.
To configure a package retest, see Configure a Package Retest.