Array Management Overview

Content

Introduction

Array Management allows you to test and analyze Samples together as a single group, such as when screening large numbers of unknowns on high throughput instruments. An "Array" is an SDC that generically represents a group of "wells" (a rack of tubes, different sized plates, or gels). Each individual "well" is considered an "Array Item", an SDI that contains details about the contents of each well.

These are the major functions of Array Management:

•	Array Definition (Master Data): Before creating "Arrays" you must first define the types of Arrays you intend to use (a pre-determined physical structure) and a method for processing the Array. Array Types and Array Layouts define the physical attributes of Arrays. Array Methods determine the Content available when loading (such as Unknown or Control Samples, Treatments or Consumables), rules for loading and processing, and calculations for analyzing data. When creating a new Array, use this master data to define which structure (Array Layout), and the process (Array Method) to use.
•	Array Loading: After creating an Array, you can "Load" content into the wells (Array Items) individually or in sets (Zones). Load Arrays at Item (Unknowns) and/or Zone (Controls and Treatments) levels.
•	Instrument Integration: Once loaded, send the Array to an Instrument for data collection.
•	Result Handling: Results (sent to and from Instruments or entered manually in the Array) can be reviewed (optionally). Array results are reviewed and approved or rejected based on limits defined in the Array Method. When results are satisfactory, promote the result data to the Unknown Sample.
•	Array Transfers and Cherry Picking. Loaded Content can be transferred from one Array to another or using ASL Grid Transfer, an Array to or from an ASL Grid.
•	Use Array Management OOB Actions to customize Array functionality. See Array Management API Usage Examples for information about the capabilities of OOB Array Management Actions.

The following terminology is used to describe Array components and processing:

Term	Description
Array	The entire Array, e.g., Plate, Rack or Gel.
Array Item	A single well or slot within an Array.
Zone	A section or set of Array Items sharing a common content type or behavior (such as Unknowns or Controls).
Load	Add Content to wells at either the Array Item or Zone levels. This operation is called Loading. When complete the Array is considered "Loaded".
Transfer	When content is moved from one or more wells of an Array (source) to one or more wells of Another array (target), it is considered "Transferred".
Cherry Picking	When content is picked selectively from a Source Array and transferred to a Target Array (such as "Transfer only Array Items that fall within certain limits").

Array Life Cycle

Top

The following diagram shows the Array life cycle:

Each Array Method represents a new set of processing requirements. As Array Methods are applied to an Array, the Status of the Array is dependent on the status of its applied Array Methods. Each time an Array Method is applied, and processing is in progress or completed, its status is rolled-up to determine the Array Status.

Operation	Description	Status
Create	Status directly after the Array is created, i.e., nothing has been done to the Array.	Created
Apply Method	Array Method has been applied, but the loading of the Array has not yet started. This is often the starting state, when the Array is created with an Array Method.	Applied
Load Array	Either Array Item or Zone loading has started (one or more Array Items have content) per the definition of the Array Method. Also, when transferring to a new Array.	Loaded
Send Array to Instrument	The Array is sent to an instrument to obtain results.	Sent to Instrument
Enter Data	Data Entry has started either manually or from an Instrument.	Data Entered
Promote Results	When results have been promoted to the Unknown Samples.	Completed
Review Array	Once Data Entry is complete the Array can be Reviewed. Status is "Reviewed" while the Array is in the process of being reviewed. When review is finished, the user can either Accept or Reject the Array. Accepted Arrays are Completed. Rejected Arrays are disposed, the disposition is Rejected.	Reviewed
Dispose	Final status of the Array. Once Disposed, the Array cannot be used.	Disposed
Assign Storage	The Array has been placed in a Storage Unit. You can clear an Array from Storage, then Apply a new Array Method to begin processing again.	Stored
Cancel Array	Arrays are Cancelled when all applied Array Methods have been Cancelled.	Cancelled

Array Tramlines

Top

Array operations are located on the following menus:

Menu	Navigate to
Array Types	Lab Admin → Arrays → Array Types Defines the Types of Arrays your organization intends to use (such as Plates or Gels). These also define labeling, dimensions, size and maximum volume.
Array Layouts	Lab Admin → Arrays → Array Layouts Defines the logical Layout of the Arrays (including Zones and Arrangements) that define loading patterns, Repeats, and Serial Dilutions.
Array Methods	Lab Admin → Arrays → Array Methods Determines the Content that will be available when loading Arrays, Array Item Volume, and Concentration and Parameters for managing results.
Array Transfer Methods	Lab Admin → Arrays → Transfer Methods Identifies rules for transferring content from source Arrays to target Arrays (such as Splitting, Condensing, Replicating, or creating custom maps for transferring content.
Arrays	Lab Admin → Arrays → Arrays or LIMS → Tests → Plates and Gels Displays the Plates and Gels List page, where you can create and Load Arrays, as well as Manage existing Arrays.
Historical Arrays	Lab Admin → Arrays → Historical Arrays Shows Historical information about finished Arrays that have reached a terminal status.