Create and Configure Analysis Codes

Analysis codes in AssayNet LIMS are the foundation for configuring the analysis requirements within the assay laboratory.

Analysis codes represent broad groupings that define the conditions under which a laboratory job is carried out. Each analysis code is assigned a set of specifications, including the analyte schemes, analysis fractions, and other settings that govern how the analysis is performed.

In addition to defining analyte schemes and fractions, analysis codes store configuration options related to calculations, as well as settings for the Client Job, Laboratory Job (pre-analysis), and Instrument Run.

Because the analysis code sets the conditions for the laboratory job, it also defines the parameters for initial and final measurements—especially when these vary between types of analysis. We recommend keeping the number of analysis codes to a minimum. Methods that share the same weight and volume conditions can be grouped under a single analysis code, even if they are analyzed using different instruments. If other settings also differ, a new analysis code may be required.

However, if only minor differences exist between client requirements, configuring a different package may be sufficient. For example, if only the initial/final measurement settings or templates (laboratory or instrument run) differ, you can often address this by creating a new package instead of a new analysis code, and attaching a single analysis code to that package. For more information, see Add and Configure Packages.

This activity describes how to create and configure a new analysis code. For information about the analysis code options, see Configure Analysis Codes Options.

Before you create a new analysis code, you must first create or identify the required analyte schemes and analysis fraction. This is an important prerequisite step because the analysis code groups the analyte schemes and analysis fraction needed for the analysis. This activity presumes that you have the required analysis schemes and fractions. For more information, see Create Analyte Schemes and Create Fractions.

Activity Steps

  1. On the Profile ribbon tab, under the Analysis group, click Analysis Code .

    The Analysis Codes screen displays.

  2. Click New.

    The Add Analysis Code screen displays.

  3. Complete the following fields as required:
    • Code—Unique 25-character alphanumeric descriptor.
    • Code Name—Full name for the Code.
    • Description—An optional field for additional details about the analysis code's use.
    • Area—Designates the operational or laboratory area where the analysis is performed (for example, Fire Assay, Wet Lab).
    • Priority—Defines the urgency level of the analysis, which may affect scheduling or turnaround time.
    • Report Name—Specifies the worksheet template from the report file to be used when generating worksheets for laboratory jobs under this analysis. You may have specific worksheet templates for different analyses or a single general template. Report templates are configured during the initial implementation. For more information, contact AssayNet Support.
    • Rack Size—Sets the number of samples grouped per rack or tray in the job. Each page in the laboratory data capture screen is limited to this rack size.
    • Turnaround—Expected time for completing the analysis; defined in days or hours.
    • Allow Merging Codes—Allows samples with this analysis code to be merged with others using compatible codes. This option is enabled by default for new analysis codes.
    • Use All Products—Allows the analysis to apply to all products in the job if multiple products are present. This option is enabled by default for new analysis codes.
    • No Prep QC—Disables inclusion of preparation QC samples.
    • Active—The analysis code is active and available for use. This condition is set by default for new analysis codes.
  4. Click OK.
  5. To create a new analysis code from an existing code:

    Note: You can clone an existing analysis code if it has similar conditions and parameters as the new code.

    1. Select the existing Analysis Code that has similar characteristics.
    2. Click Clone.

      The Clone Analysis Code screen displays.

    3. Update the fields as required.
    4. Click OK.

    Note: The corresponding method is assigned after the analyte schemes are attached to the analysis code, because methods are linked to analyte schemes.

  6. To add the required analyte schemes:

    Note: Analysis codes group the necessary analyte schemes to define and execute an analysis. You must assign the appropriate analyte schemes to each Analysis Code to ensure the analysis is performed correctly.

    1. Select the Analysis Code to which the analyte schemes will be assigned.
      1. On the menu, click Setup » Analyte Schemes.

        The Analysis Code Schemes screen displays.

      2. In the menu, click New.

        The Analyte Schemes screen displays.

      3. Select the Analyte Schemes.
      4. Click the Send to Analysis Code icon to add the analyte scheme to the analysis code.

        Note: Use the Analyte Type, Analyte, or Method filters to narrow the list of analyte schemes.

      5. Click Close.
      6. Double-click each analyte scheme to set the report options.
        • Yes—Reported in the data and QC sections of the report.
        • Data Only—Reported only in the data section of the report.
        • QC Only—Reported only in the QC section of the report.
        • No—Not reported in the data or the QC section of the report.
      7. Click Close.
  7. To add the required fraction:

    Note: Each analysis code should be assigned at least one fraction to ensure it functions correctly.

    1. Select the analysis code to assign the fraction to.
      1. On the menu, click Setup » Analysis Fraction.

        The Analysis Code Fraction screen displays.

      2. In the menu, click New.

        The Analysis Fraction screen displays.

      3. Select the Analysis Fraction.
      4. Click the Send to Analysis Code icon to assign the analyte scheme to the analysis code.
      5. Click Close.
      6. Click Close.
  8. To assign templates:

    Note: You can assign different laboratory job templates and instrument run templates to an analysis code, ensuring the correct structure is applied when the code is used. Templates that share the same analysis code can be linked directly to that code. For more information, see Add a Laboratory Template or Add an Instrument Run Template. You can assign multiple templates to a single analysis code and designate one template as the default. Alternatively, templates can also be assigned through packages. For details, see Add and Configure Packages. Both options can be used in parallel, ensuring that whether the analysis is created via the analysis code or a package, the appropriate templates are applied.

    1. Select the analysis code to assign the template to.
      1. On the menu, click Setup » Lab Job Templates or Setup » Instrument Run Templates.

        The Analysis Templates screen displays.

        Note: If templates have already been created for the selected analysis code, all templates associated with that code display in the list. You can also create a new template directly from the Analysis Templates screen.

      2. To create a new template, follow the steps in Add a Laboratory Template or Add an Instrument Run Template.
      3. If multiple templates are created, you can designate one as the default. While you can still manually select any other template when creating a laboratory job or instrument run, the default template is selected automatically.
        1. Select the Template Name to make the default.
        2. Click Default.

          The selected Template Name displays an X in the Default column.

        3. Click Close.

      Note: You can follow the same steps for the Instrument Run Template.

  9. To configure the analysis code options, see Configure Analysis Codes Options.