Sample List for Batch Import
This section describes how to add a large number of samples to the LIMS by importing a sample list - a Microsoft® Excel® *.xls or *.xlsx spreadsheet file.
To process many samples, add them to Clarity LIMS by importing a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file (*.xls or *.xlsx). This method also applies to updating sample information.
The sample list must be in *.xls or *.xlsx format.
The sample list's column header names must match the default fields in the LIMS.
The following column header names cannot be changed: Sample/Name, Container/Name, and Sample/Well Location.
The following columns must be populated: Sample/Name and any sample-level custom fields that the system administrator requires.
By default, import up to a maximum of 3456 samples from a single sample list file. To import more than 3456 samples, divide the samples into multiple files.
Create a sample list
Download a sample list template from the Projects and Samples view in Clarity LIMS.
Open the sample list template.
By default, the template contains the following information:
<TABLE HEADER> and <SAMPLE ENTRIES>
Tips for data entry
Refer also to .
Enter dates using Excel date cell formatting.
To preserve currency characters (e.g. $), currency is best entered as a string (rather than using the Excel currency category).
Numbers can be entered either as numeric or string values.
For example, for Boolean fields such as Stored On Site? below, numeric values of zero and false will evaluate to FALSE whereas non-zero numeric values and true will evaluate to TRUE. Other values will result in an error on import.
Configuring sample list spreadsheets for usability and speed
Spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel contain features for increasing usability and speed when entering data. For example, the following configurations are available:
Add drop-down lists of options that correspond to options available in Clarity LIMS. Use the Named Range and Data Validation Excel features.
Hide header columns required by the system but not required.
The Clarity LIMS support team can create custom, efficient sample list templates.