LIMS - Tests Forms

Table of Contents

Purpose

The Tests Forms module is used to create configurable test forms for use in the lab. 

MetaField DIY Library for Integrated Test Forms

Several Integrated Test Forms are available for use. They can be used "as is" or they can be copied and customized to your business needs. Like Sample Forms, Test forms are also associated with a Material. However, unlike Sample Forms, a test can be associated with multiple Materials (e.g. the same test can be conducted on both Soil and Aggregate materials).

If you do decide to copy and customize an integrated test form, future updates to the integrated form will not be systematically applied to your custom form.


Test forms will have, at a minimum, the following (fixed) system fields on them (note that each individual form will have its unique test fields as well):


FieldDescriptionExample
Test Number
  • Unique number assigned to each test

Test Date
  • Planned test date

Lab Technician
  • Technician who will perform the lab test
  • Optional

Test Cost
  • Cost to perform the test
  • Optional
  • Will default to the global or project cost, if defined

Test Notes
  • Notes important to the test (i.e. reminders to lab technician, etc.)

Untested
  • Flag indicating if the test was not tested (untested)

Approved By
  • User that approved the lab test results

Approved Date
  • Date the lab test results were approved

Test Completed By
  • User who completed the lab test

Test Completed Date
  • Date the lab test results were completed

Next Test Action Date
  • Next testing date for a multi-day test

Test Billing Code
  • Accounting code associated with the test
  • Optional
  • Will default to the global billing code, if defined
  • Variable Billing Codes can be defined based on calculation rules set within the test form.

Test Billing Quantity
  • Quantity associated with the test for accounting purposes
  • Optional
  • Variable Billing Costs can be defined based on calculation rules set within the test form.

The universal Form Designer is used to configure test forms. Information on the Form Designer can be found here - Form Designer. Note that the Integrated Test forms available for use are not editable with exception to making changes to the field labels.

Test Metadata

Each Test Form has some required and optional metadata available to it.

Metadata FieldDescription
Sample Form
  • Sample form the test is related to
  • Required when adding a new test form
Billing Code
  • Global default accounting code associated with the test
  • Optional
Cost
  • Global default cost to perform the test
  • Optional
Test Default Specimen Size
  • Default specimen size required for the test
Description
  • Brief description of the test
  • Optional
Standard
  • Standard for the test (i.e. ASTM number)
  • Optional
Test Duration
  • Duration (in days) it takes to perform the test
  • Optional
  • Will display when scheduling tests / test dates

Adding a New Form

To add a Form select the Add Form button. Enter the Form name, an optional description and choose save.

When the form is added, the system fields noted above will default into your Form. These fields are required by the system and you will not be able to remove them. You may change the field label that will be presented to your users.

Assigning a Material to a Test Form

A Material must be assigned to a Test Form in order for the system to apply the appropriate links to sample forms and other data sources within the LIMS module. To assign a Material, first open the test form in Form Designer by selecting the link in the Name column. From the form designer, select Form Settings, click on the edit icon nest to Test Material, assign the appropriate Material(s), and Save. The list of materials available to select is maintained in Administration within General > Material. See the General - Material help page for more information.

Creating a New Form from an Existing Form

You have the option of copying an existing Form to create a new Form. When copying a Form, Fields and Field attributes and are copied; as well as the Report design and settings. 

To copy a form, follow the steps below.


Step

Description

Example

1.Find the Form you want to copy and choose the copy icon.

2.Copy Form dialogue will open. Enter the new form Name and optionally provide a Description. Select Save.

3.Validation message will appear, confirming the form and report template were successfully copied. Select OK.