Containers
The Containers section in OpenSpecimen shows the freezers or any other ‘parent’ structure that holds boxes of specimens. Parent containers include freezers, liquid nitrogen tanks, or lab shelves where boxes are stored. Each parent container can have its own unique structure
Most freezers are split into 4-5 shelves. Each shelf can hold multiple 2 dimensional racks. Boxes are stored in racks or, occasionally, directly on shelves.
Navigate to the containers menu via the main navigation bar or by choosing a specific freezer from the Containers widget on the home page.
How to Create a Box in a predefined rack
Navigate to the rack or other container into which the new box will be created.
Select the “+” in the space that represents the location where the box will be placed.
Click “Single Container” in the Create field.
Selecting a predefined ‘Type’ will prepopulate the fields for dimension, position labeling, labeling scheme, and position assignment. Typically boxes are 9x9 and are populated horizontally, top down, left to right.
Enter the Display Name for your box, which does not have to be unique.
Enter a ‘Unique Name’ according to your laboratory naming convention. Note that the unique name is like a barcode in that it must be unique across all protocols in OpenSpecimen, even those you do not have access to. So the unique naming should include your freezer designation or other unique characteristics of your biobank. If you enter a name that is already in existence, the system will let you know that name is already in use.
How to Create a Multiple Boxes
In this example, I have 5 positions available in Rack 1, so I will create 5 containers. Enter the container details and types per your storage needs. Click “Next”.
The site, parent container, number, and name will be filled out automatically. Click “Create”.
You will be brought to the map of the previous secondary storage container to see your newly created box(es).
How to Create a Container
In the left navigation menu, select “Containers”.
In this page, enter the container details. For “Type”, you may select one of the pre-created types commonly used. When complete, select “Create”.
You will see a map of the container once it has been created. In each space, you may designate another container, such as a rack, shelf, or box, by clicking on the “+” in the desired space.
Enter the details for each secondary container. In this example, this container is a “Rack” which does not store specimens, and will store “Boxes”. When finished, click “Create”.
You will be brought to the first container map again, where you will see your new secondary container added.
You may add as many organizational containers as necessary to map your specimen storage (i.e. racks, drawers, shelves, tower, etc.).
Recording Specimen Storage Location
In the specimen view, select “Edit”.
In the Location, select the magnifying glass icon.
In the pop-up window, select the dropdown for the designated container(s) until you find the desired sample storage location. In this example, I have selected Rack 1 Box 1.
Then, select the location in the container you wish to store the sample, then click “Done”.
You will see the Location has been filled out. Click “Update”.
You’ll be brought to the specimen view page, with the newly updated Storage Location.
Transferring Specimens >>move to 101.4.3
To transfer a specimen to a different location, first locate the specimen in the specimen view.
Under the “Actions” dropdown menu, select “Transfer”.
Enter details for the New Location, or select the magnifying glass to search for the new location. Add comments if necessary, and click “Submit”.
You will see a notification that the specimen location has succesfully been updated, and be brought to the specimen view page where you will see the updated Location.
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