Containers
This section describes how to add and configure the containers used in your lab, and enable them for use on specific master steps.
Containers Configuration Screen
Clarity LIMS is a container-based system requiring that samples reside in a container at every step of a workflow. Add the types of containers used in your lab to Local Analysis Software and enable them for use on specific steps.
When running a step in the LIMS, the lab scientist scans in the container barcode and proceeds to the Ice Bucket screen. In the Ice Bucket, the output container types that can be used in the step are listed.
To access the Containers configuration screen, the Configuration:update permission is required. Users who do not have this permission do not see the Containers option displayed under the Consumables tab.
By default, only the Administrator role has the Configuration:update permission. For more on user roles and permissions, see User Roles and Configured Role-Based Permissions.
Add and Configure Containers
When adding a new container to the LIMS, you are adding a container type (ie, a tube, a 96 well plate, a flow cell). When the container barcode is scanned, an instance of that container type is added.
Add a Container Type
On the main menu, select Configuration.
On the configuration screen, select the Consumables tab, then select Containers.
On the Containers configuration screen, select New Container.
In the Container Details area, enter the name of the container type you are adding. This is the only required field. When you have entered a name, the Save button becomes available.
[Optional] Specify the details of the rows and columns in the container:
In the Number fields, enter the number of rows and columns in the container.
Use the Naming toggle to specify whether the rows and columns have Alphabetic or Numeric labels.
For numeric rows and columns, use the Start at field to specify the number at which the row/column labels start.
[Optional] If you enter 1 in both row and column Number fields, an additional Yes/No toggle setting displays, asking "Do you want to skip the placement screen?".
Yes—The LIMS does not display the placement screen when the step is run. It automatically places the samples into the container.
No—The placement screen displays samples that need to be manually placed into the single well.
[Optional] List any unavailable wells (ie, wells in which samples must not be placed). Specify these in a comma-separated format, for example, A:1, A:2, A:3, A:4.
Note the following:
If you switch between Numeric and Alphabetic rows/columns, the list of unavailable wells updates to reflect the change.
If you change the Start at number for numeric rows/columns, the list of unavailable wells updates to reflect the change.
If you specify an invalid unavailable well, or change the dimensions of the container such that one or more of the specified unavailable wells becomes invalid, the List unavailable wells field turns red.
The Save button is only available when all specified unavailable wells are valid.
Select Save.
Specify Unavailable Wells
To prevent lab users from placing samples in specific wells of a container, list the unavailable wells in a comma-separated list. Each well must be listed individually. You cannot enter a range.
Wells that are marked as unavailable are shown with a dashed line border in the sample placement screen. If a sample is placed into an unavailable well, a Destination is unavailable error message displays.
Edit Container Type Details
On the Containers configuration screen, in the Containers list, select a container type.
The Container Details area displays the details for the selected container type.
Edit the details as required.
Select Save.
When editing container type details, keep the following in mind.
To view and edit container types, the Configuration:update permission is required.
Changes made to a container type are reflected on all future steps on which that container type is enabled.
Steps that have already been run are not affected by changes made to container type details.
When a container type has been used, its row, column, and unavailable wells settings are not editable.
Delete Container Types
On the Containers configuration screen, in the Containers list, select a container.
The container details display on the right.
Select Delete.
Confirm the deletion.The container is no longer be available for selection on steps.
When deleting container types, keep the following in mind:
To delete container types, the Configuration:update permission is required.
Container types cannot be deleted if an instance of that container type is in use, or has been used, in a step.
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