Sample pooling is a versatile technique widely used across various scientific disciplines to enhance the efficiency and reliability of research, quality control as well as in manufacturing.
Sample pooling can be done across different inventory items and collections offering significant benefits for laboratory efficiency, tracking, analysis and resource management. This feature allows users to streamline processes by grouping multiple samples into a single pool, making it easier to manage and analyze large datasets.
Sample Pooling with a Sample Basket: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Relevant Stocks Within The Sample Basket
Step 2: Define Pooling Logic, and name each pool action with a descriptive name explaining its purpose
The pool name must be unique. It is advisable to establish a naming convention for pooling actions based on their purposes.
Here's an example: when applying sample pooling for Low Abundant Protein Analysis
Naming Format:
[Sample Type][Pooled Group Identifier][Concentration][Date]
Example Name:
PROT_PoolA_0.5ug_20241204
Breakdown:
PROT: Abbreviation indicating the type of sample (protein analysis).
PoolA: Designates this as the first pooled group from the experiment. Subsequent pools could follow a similar convention (e.g., PoolB, PoolC).
0.5ug: Indicates the concentration of the pooled protein samples, ensuring clarity on the pool's preparation.
20241204: The date when the pooling action occurred, formatted as YYYYMMDD for consistency.
Step 3: Select Drawing Method
Step 4: Input Required Details for New Pooled Stock Creation
Step 5: Successful Pooling Completion Will Generate a Link to the New Pooled Stock
Stocks can be grouped by weight or volume using predefined system units; custom units are not supported for sample pooling.
Comprehensive Traceability and Management of Sample Pools
Each sample pooling event in Labguru creates a direct link between the original (parent) samples and the resulting pooled sample, all accessible under the "Pool" tab on the newly created pooled stock page.
The 'Pool' tab serves as a central hub, providing complete traceability for each sample included in the pool, as well as any pools derived from the current stock.
Parent stocks Connections: Each parent stock that contributed to the pool, is listed under the 'Parent stocks' tab within 'Pool' tab of the resulting pooled sample offering a clear view of how samples were combined.
Derived stocks Connection: Each pool which has been created from using the current stock will be listed under derived stocks.
Pooling Event Details: Information about each pooling event, such as the date, name and amount used, and any notes or specifications related to the pooling process will be shown under Info column .
Sample Lineage and History: Users can trace each sample’s journey and transformations over time, maintaining a full history from the original samples to the pooled result.
Real-Time Updates and Adjustments: Any changes to the statuses of parent or derived stocks linked to the pooled stock are reflected instantly, ensuring users have the most current information available.
Leveraging the Sample Pooling Feature for Enhanced Activities
The Sample Pooling feature offers significant benefits that extend its utility beyond traditional sample management. One of its key advantages is the ability to provide clear visual and textual traceability between stocks and pooled samples.
This feature can also be effectively utilized for various activities such as preparing solutions, creating buffers, and formulating recipes.