Managing Sample Types and QA/QC in MP-Desktop Monitoring Schedules
Introduction
Sample Types are a further way to differentiate data, typically when multiple samples are required at a physical location or when something else needs to be denoted about the sample, such as how it was obtained. Common examples are depth monitoring, where samples might be taken at multiple depths. Others are differing monitoring regimes, such as 'grab' or 'purged'.
As with the other areas of the application and the Monitoring Schedule, simply move the required Sample Types from the left (unselected) to the right (selected) to include them.
Modes
The 'Select all Sample Types' mode is used to include all Sample Types for use/inclusion in the Monitoring Schedule. This includes all Sample Types created in the future.
The 'expect a sample of each type' will replicate out the expected number of samples to the number of Sample Points x the Sample Types included. For example, if there are 10 Sample Points included and 5 Sample Types, the Monitoring Schedule will be expecting 50 samples to complete the subsequent Monitoring Visits. This scenario is analogous with the depth example offered above where there may be 5 depth samples to be taken at each physical location.
QA/QC
QA/QC enables replicates and blanks to be managed as part of a Monitoring Schedule. If a set number or percentage of replicates are needed these can be configured to ensure the process is being followed.
To use the QA/QC requires the QA/QC Sample Types to be first set up. Go to Control Panel/Table Management/Sample Types and add the required QA/QC Sample Types and set the 'Special Replicate'. These Special Replicate settings control the relevant business logic for each type:
Blanks per Visit – Automatically adds x number of Blanks to each visit and is the most common type of Blank to be required
Blanks per Sample Point – Automatically adds x number of Blanks to each Sample Point
Blanks per Box Code – x Blanks are automatically added each visit representing the number of boxes used for transport.
When setup each type will be accessible to apply a set multiplier
With the replicates, users have the option of setting a quantity per Visit or as a percentage of the number of Samples.
For replicates, these are allocated at random by MonitorPro. If users wish to manage the Sample Point(s) where the replicates are allocated these can be controlled from the Status tab of the Visit, or if using MP-Field in the field by the technician (for example if a selected location is dry or inaccessible).
For more information on the setup and management of Sample Types also refer to the specific section.