A sample submitted for inspection may be split into multiple testing parts, or a part may need to be retained for subsequent review. If only the same number is reused, it will be difficult to distinguish the destination of each sample. LIMS should distinguish the objects to be submitted for inspection, samples received and sample division records, and the source relationship should be retained.

How to arrange records and operations

Generate stable identification when receiving, register container, status and necessary handover information. The divided samples form sub-records, which are associated with the purpose, quantity and storage location, and the retained samples also have a clear status. Barcodes are mainly used for identification records and cannot replace on-site verification; labels are reprinted to save the reason and operator.

The sample label can contain the main sample number, sub-sample number and purpose, but the label content is confirmed by the business, and no entrusted information that does not need to be disclosed is printed out at will. The quantity of samples, storage location and collection process are recorded separately, and the remaining samples also have a clear destination. For reprinting of labels, use the original logo and indicate the reprinting operation to avoid being mistaken for a new sample. When querying the main sample, all sub-sample relationships are displayed, and when querying sub-samples, you can return to the received information. When merging different containers, it is necessary to retain the source and eliminate the original sample records by renaming them.

Specific scenarios that need to be checked

For example, if the same sample is divided into two tests, the test query should show the receiving and processing process of each sub-sample. Covers label damage, sample split cancellation, and remaining sample disposal. Numbering rules should not embed frequently changing information, otherwise the entire traceability chain may have to be changed when business adjustments are made.