Add and Set up Instrument Control Samples

Instrument control samples are samples inserted into an instrument run for instrument maintenance or control. (This is different to calibration samples.) The results of instrument control sample analytes may be analyzed as part of the QC/QA protocol. In the AssayNet LIMS you can customize the control samples for individual analytes, adding specific accepted values, confidence levels and flag values if they do not fall within the specified percentage.

Note: To create a control standard, you first need to define control sample type; for example, AA. For more information, see Add a Control Sample Type.

Activity Steps

  1. On the QC/QA ribbon tab, click Instr. Control Samples.

    The Control Samples screen displays.

  2. Click New.

    The Add Control Sample screen displays.

    1. Select the Type.
    2. Enter the Sample ID.
    3. Enter the Type if required. You can enter the same value selected from the Type drop-down list or another value.
    4. Enter a Description if required.
    5. Click OK.

      Note: The Clone feature is not in use for the Instrument Control Sample.

  3. To set up control limits:

    1. Select the Sample ID.
    2. Click Setup » Control Limits.

      The Control Sample Analytes screen opens.

    3. Click New.

      The Add Standard Analyte screen displays.

    4. Complete the following fields as required:

      • Analyte Type

      • Analyte

      • Units

      • Accepted Value

      • Confidence Level

      • Flag Value—Triggers a flag for any result outside the specified percentage of the accepted value.

      • Confidence Range

    5. In the Display Format field group, select how the result is displayed and enter the value. Select from:

      • Decimals

      • Significant Figures

      • From Measured Value—Based on the precision of the original measurement.

    6. Select Use Levels to use the levels.

      The High Control Level and Low Control Level display in the graph.

      1. Enter a High Control Level.

      2. Enter a Low Control Level.

    7. To create multiple analytes from the same screen:

      1. Press Ctrl+N.

        The previous data entries are temporarily saved. The Analyte field is selected for editing.

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

  4. Click Close.