Table of Contents |
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Purpose
The Sample Tracking Work Queues section of LIMS is used to process generic samples that have been checked into the lab and need to be tested. The following workflow functions are performed in this module:
- Specimens are "received" into the lab (after field technicians check specimens into the lab)
- Tests are assigned to specimens
- Tests are performed and results recorded on configured forms
- Test results are approved from a lab perspective and made available for reporting in the Quality Control module
Filter Pane
The filter pane can be used to filter the underlying queue data by a variety of variables. Filter controls that appear are configured in the Administration module by your MetaField administrator. Filter sets can be saved for future use in the Select A Filter pick list. To provide more screen space, the filter pane can be collapsed using the arrow on the right side of the header bar.
Left Navigation
The left navigation pane can be exposed / hidden by using the button with the three lines to the left of bread crumb links.
Common Grid Icons
Icon | Description |
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Pencil |
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X |
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i |
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Folder |
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Queues
To Receive
The To Receive queue shows all specimens that have been checked into the lab but have not been "received" into the lab workflow yet.
Button | Description |
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Receive Specimen |
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Print Receiving List |
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Change Lab |
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No Tests For Specimen |
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Add Specimen |
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Add Sample |
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Tests To Assign
The Test To Assign queue shows all specimens that have been received into the lab workflow that need to have specific lab tests assigned to them.
Button | Description |
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Assign Test(s) |
See the Assigning Tests sections below for detailed information on how tests are associated with specimens. |
Change Lab | See Change Lab Above |
Add Specimen | See Add Specimen Above |
Add Sample | See Add Sample Above |
Assigning Tests
Click the Assign Test(s) button to assign tests to the specimen (and potentially "split" specimens to support the required tests). The following pop up will appear and be pre-populated with the tests "ordered" when the sample was logged. Additional tests can be added by clicking the Add Test button above the grid.
The Retain a Portion of the Original Specimen for Future Testing check box can be used to "retain" the original specimen for future testing (versus assuming all of it will be used for the selected tests). For example, you may have a large bag of aggregate that you receive. You take the necessary material from it to perform the initial tests ordered, but expect that future tests may need to be executed on that same material later.
The Combine column can be used to "group" tests with a given specimen (i.e. a certain test does not destroy the specimen and the material can be used again for another test). The values presented in the Combine pick lists are are arbitrary letters (A, B, C, etc.). Assign a "like" letter to the tests you want to associate to the same specimen.
Clicking Next will display a screen similar to the following. The system is taking the specimen you are assigning tests to and "splitting" it into individual specimens (one for each test) unless you forced a grouping using the Combine pick list in the previous screen. For each specimen / test that is created, you will need to supply the following (see table below).
Field | Description |
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Test Duration |
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Comments |
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Specimen Size |
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Test Age |
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Test Date |
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Lab Technician |
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Test Notes |
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Test Cost |
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Click Save after all test details are defined to finish the process.
Testable
The Testable queue shows all tests that are waiting for the Test Date to arrive. This will include tests in progress with a Next Test Action Date and no Test Completed Date where the Next Test Action Date is in the future.
The Testable queue is now displaying tests instead of specimens.
Button | Description |
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Add Test | See Add Test Above |
Modify Test Date |
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Print Early Test List |
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Add Specimen | See Add Specimen Above |
To Test
The To Test queue shows all tests where the test date equals the system date or prior. Overdue tests are highlighted in a red shading. This will include test in progress with a Next Test Action Date and not Test Completed Date where the Next Test Action Date = system date (today).
Button | Description |
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Enter Test Results |
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Add Test | See Add Test Above |
Print Test List |
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Add Specimen | See Add Specimen Above |
To view field (sample / specimen) data when entering test results, click the Show Sample / Specimen Data button at the bottom of the Enter Results screen. This will open another browser tab with the sample / specimen data data.
To Review
The To Review queue shows all completed test that are awaiting lab review and approval.
Button | Description |
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Approve |
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Add Test | See Add Test Above |
Open In QC |
If lab technicians need to create reports (versus project managers), lab technicians should be granted rights to Quality Control - Sample Tracking. |
Add Specimen | See Add Specimen Above |
Done
The Done queue shows all tests that have been completed and approved in the lab. The queue will default to the most recent 30 days of tests, but can be broadened or narrowed if needed.
Button | Description |
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Open In QC | See Open In QC Above |
Add Specimen | See Add Specimen Above |
Create Batch Report |
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A Report Status filter exists to filter tests based on if they have been reported or not. A Reported On grid icon appears at the right side of the grid to see which reports a given test was included on.