Creating a New Method

This tutorial will go over how to set up a new method in WinLIMS. This is sometimes required when adding a new SampleType that requires a method which does not exist in the system.

1. Creating a New Method

  1. Hold your cursor over "Administration" Menu, a drop down menu will appear
  2. Hold your cursor over "Methods" a side menu will appear
  3. Click on "new"

2. Method Manager

Method Manager View.  All cells highlighted in yellow will require an input before saving the record

  1. Enter method Name in the text box.
  2. Enter method Description in the text box
  3. Save the Method
  4. To access additional section of the Method Manager view click on the double arrow (each section is reviewed below)

When creating a new method consider the name you plan to use.  If the method is generic and can be used for multiple products make the name non-specific.  Example measuring pH is the same procedure for many products, name should be non-specific and something as simple as "pH".  When creating a method which is specific to a product make sure the description contains the product name.

Method Manager contains many different text box fields which can be used or left blank.  When a method is instrument specific, it's useful to list the instrument that is used, later this information can be used to create nice reports which will contain a breakdown of instrument usage.  When facilities have multiple QC laboratories, the "Lab" field can be used.  Some facilities find it useful to associate a method with cost and can report on this data in the future.

3. Other Section

Multiple fields in the "Other" section are for information and are populated automatically.

  1. Section will remain blank until the method is saved.
  2. After the method is saved this section will contain information on whom entered the record and when it was entered.
  3. After the method is approved this section will contain information on whom approved it and when.
  4. When the method is revised to a newer version, you will see version number in the "Method Version" field and it will be updated automatically

4. Parameters Section

This section will contain all the parameters associated with this method.

  1. To create a new parameter click on the new button
  2. Enter Parameter Name into the "PARAMETER" text box
  3. Click "OK"
  4. Parameter Name Shows after you click "OK" in previous step.  Parameter Name will show in LIMS for testing.
  5. Enter description of the parameter.  The description is what will show on the CoA for this parameter.  This is useful when analyzing proprietary compounds names of which are proprietary and should not be disclosed to the customer.  For example if a proprietary compound is Sodium Hydroxide, we can have a description such as Compound A.  In this scenario the system will show parameter Sodium Hydroxide, but the CoA will show Compound A.
  6. Enter the PQL value.  PQL is an acronym for Practical Quantitation Limits.  This is the lowest concentration that can be reliably achieved within specified limits of precision and accuracy during routine laboratory operating conditions.  In other words this value is specific to the gage results of the instrument.  This value is not used in most of our applications and can be left blank.
  7. Enter the LDL value.  LDL is an acronym for Lowest Detection Limit.  It is instrument specific, and can be analytical method and product specific.  When this value is defined and a laboratory technician enters a result which is below LDL the result will automatically change to display a symbol "less then" (<) and the LDL value defined in this section, the CoA will also show this instead of the entered value.  Entered value will be saved in the database.
  8. Enter the UDL value.  UDL is an acronym for Upper Detection Limit.  It is instrument specific, and can be analytical method and product specific.  When this value is defined and a laboratory technician enters a result which is above UDL the result will automatically change to display a symbol "greater then" (>) and the UDL value defined in this section, the CoA will also show this instead of the entered value.  Entered value will be saved in the database.
  9. Enter Units
  10. Enter Decimals, this will define how many digits appear after the decimal point on the CoA.  This value is usually dictated by how many decimal places are shown on your instrument, or result calculation.
  11. Enter Print Flag.  For print flag "1" the parameter will appear on the CoA, for print flag "0" the parameter will not appear on the CoA.
  12. Enter calculation if applicable.  
  13. Enter the associated test method number or ID (Usually C-Pro Controlling Number)
  14. Enter the link to the test method if applicable (Make sure to use the correct "redirect" link in C-Pro so that you are always redirected to the most current revision of the document)
  15. After you enter the link form Step 14, you can test it by clicking the blue text to make sure it worked.
  16. Save changes by pressing the save button in the "Parameters" Section

Additional Parameters can be added by following steps 1-15

There is a separate tutorial on how to properly set-up calculations. If you have any specific needs to improve automation or decrease redundant look-ups or calculations talk to the LIMS administrator.

5. Batch Sequence Section

3.3 &nbsp;Batch Sequence Section - MethodManager View

This section is not utilized in our system

6. Preparation Steps Section

3.4 &nbsp; Preparation Steps Section - MethodManager View

This section is not utilized in our system

7. Saving and Approving newly created Method

  1. Save all the settings on this main section page by clicking the save button. Note that the status is "N"
  2. Click on the "Approve" button (thumbs up) to approve the method.
  3. Click "OK" to confirm
  4. After the method is approved you will see that the status is changed to "A"
  5. Instead of the "thumbs up" approve button you will see the "x" button which is used to take away the approval and put the method on Hold.

You will not be able to edit any item for the method if it has been approved. You would have to follow step 4 and take away approval, then make changes, save and approve again. However this is not the same thing as revising a method. When a change needs to be made which requires a revision in order to keep records you would follow a different tutorial "Revising a Method". You would only use the hold/edit approach if you accidentally forgot to add something when creating a new method.

Do not make changes to the method without performing a proper revision.  Because most of the infomration goes on the CoA, making drastic changes to names, units, order of parameters, will cause CoA for products in the queue to have problems.