Create a laboratory sample

In ConCertainty, a laboratory sample represents the physical sample on which measurements are performed. Depending on whether certificate data is available for the sample, it serves as the basis for different calculation steps in measurement uncertainty determination.

For more information on the difference between samples with and without certificate data, see Laboratory samples: Traceable and non-traceable measured values.

Before you create a laboratory sample, at least one matrix with associated materials must exist.

Create a laboratory sample

In the left-hand menu, under Master data, open the Laboratory samples section and select Create laboratory sample.

Step 1: Enter basic data

First select a matrix and then the associated material from the selection fields. The material field only becomes active once a matrix has been selected.

Optionally, you can add a Label – e. g. a batch designation or an internal sample number. The name and identifier of the laboratory sample are automatically generated from the matrix, material, and label, and can be manually adjusted before saving.

Info

Once saved, the identifier cannot be changed. For more information, see Identifiers.

The following additional fields are optionally available:

• Origin – e. g. supplier, external laboratory, or internal source
• Comment – free text field for additional notes
• Expiration date – the date from which the sample should no longer be used

Step 2: Enter certificate data (optional)

If a certificate with documented reference values is available for the sample, you can enter it in the Certificate data section. This step is optional – samples without certificate data are available as a basis for the contribution to reproducibility.

Expand the Certificate data section and first select the Standard k-factor for the entire certificate.

Then select Add parameter to enter the certified values. For each parameter, specify:

• the parameter (selection from the existing parameters; PSE elements can be displayed via the Include PSE elements checkbox)
• the certified value with unit
• the associated uncertainty (in the same unit as the value)
• optionally a deviating k-factor, if the parameter-specific value deviates from the certificate-wide standard

Repeat this step for all relevant parameters of the certificate.

Info

Laboratory samples with stored certificate data are marked with a quality seal icon in the overview list.

Step 3: Save the laboratory sample

Select Create to save the laboratory sample. It then appears in the laboratory samples overview and is available for measurement data acquisition.

Edit a laboratory sample

You can open an existing laboratory sample via the edit icon in the overview. Basic data such as origin, comment, and expiration date can be changed subsequently. The identifier cannot be changed after the first save.

Certificate data can be added, changed, or completely removed at a later time. Individual parameters within the certificate data can also be deleted.

Info

Removing the certificate data has no effect on existing measurement series. Measurement uncertainty reports that have already been created remain valid based on the data available at the time of their creation. However, the sample loses its traceability – afterward, it is only available as a basis for the contribution to reproducibility.

Deactivate a laboratory sample

You can set a laboratory sample to Inactive using the status switch in the overview. Inactive laboratory samples are no longer available for selection during measurement data acquisition.