Data file naming issues

Question

(Running OpenLAB CDS Chemstation Edition, version C.01.07 SR1; with ECM)

We have written into our SOPs that the data file and the sample name must match. This was done to provide another layer of data integrity. We also have a rule that system suitability must be verified as passing prior to injecting any samples. This leads us to create a lot of sequences that have two parts: system suitability and samples, that have to be combined into a single result set.

All of this causes us two problems:

1) The dreaded "OnlineEdited" tag on datafiles that are, well, edited online, while the sequence is running. This occurs when an analyst uses the offline to verify that their running sequence does meet system suitability and decides to add their samples to the online sequence. But not every time does it get tagged as Online Edited. Does anyone know what, exactly, triggers the OnlineEdited tag?

2) If the Sequence Parameters aren't set properly, the Sample Name doesn't get added to the data file name. We've recently add multiple instances of sequence tables where the default selection in the parameters seems to have changed to "Auto" instead of "Name Pattern". The analysts say they didn't change anything (I tend to believe them), but every time I create a sequence, the Name Pattern option is automatically selected. Does anyone know how to change / verify the selection for the default sequence template?

We also have a problem where the analyst wants to define everything about the sample in the sample name field (e.g. product, lot, manufacturing stage, replicate prep number, stability conditions, etc.) and most of it gets cut off. I've told them this is because Windows limits us to 256 characters in the file location and they're using too many of them. That information should go in the sample description instead. (But no one seems to want to hear that.)

Thanks in advance for your help.

ryoboyle · Accepted Answer

Hello,

1) The "OnlineEdited<xxx>" tag will only be added to data files that are collected from lines in the sequence table that are added or edited while the sequence is running. This does not apply, however, if you are specifying a data file Name Pattern in your Sequence Parameters (below) or if you are manually entering a data file name into the Data File column of the sequence table.

2) When you go to Sequence > New Sequence Template, OpenLAB ChemStation should load the DEF_XX.S sequence template file (where XX is either GC or LC depending on what type of instrument the ChemStation session is launched for). The default data file naming option should be whatever is saved in that sequence templates Sequence Parameters. Each instrument has its own dedicated DEF_XX.S template, so you would need to check this setting for each instrument you have configured in the OpenLAB Control Panel. Typically, the DEF_XX.S file is set to read-only and changes cannot be saved to it.

As for the sample information field, you are right about the character limit. Another possible alternative for you would be to create sample custom fields for each piece of information (lot, product, etc...) which can be called individually on an intelligent report.

Hopefully this helps.