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Create 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 can be used as a basis for different steps of the measurement uncertainty determination.

For more 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 already 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, 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 Designation – e. g. a batch designation or an internal sample number. The name and identifier of the laboratory sample are generated automatically from the matrix, material and designation and can be manually adjusted before saving.

Info

Once saved, the identifier is immutable. For more information on this, see Identifiers.

The following additional fields are optionally available:

  • Origin – e. g. supplier, external laboratory or internal source
  • Remark – free text field for additional notes
  • Expiry 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 these in the Certificate data section. This step is optional – samples without certificate data are still 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 in the overview list with a quality seal icon.

Step 3: Save the laboratory sample

Select Create to save the laboratory sample. It will then appear in the laboratory sample overview and be available for measurement data acquisition.

Edit laboratory sample

You can open an existing laboratory sample via the edit icon in the overview. Basic data such as origin, remark and expiry date can be changed afterwards. The identifier is immutable after the first save.

Certificate data can be added, changed or completely removed afterwards. 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 already created remain valid based on the data available at the time they were created. However, the sample loses its traceability – afterwards it is only available as a basis for the contribution to reproducibility.

Deactivate laboratory sample

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