Manage Metadata ‐ LIMS - hmislk/hmis GitHub Wiki

Managing Metadata (Samples, Containers, Specimens)

Lab metadata covers the master reference data that underpins the sample workflow — the types of specimens collected (blood, urine, swab), the containers used to collect them (EDTA tube, plain tube, universal container), and how these are categorised. This article explains how to add and manage each type of metadata.

Investigation Categories

Investigation categories group related tests together. Categories appear in search filters, billing screens, and summary reports. A well-organised category tree makes it easy for staff to find tests and for managers to run category-level reports.

Adding a Category

  1. Go to Menu > Admin > LIMS > Categories (or Manage Metadata > Categories).
  2. Click Add Category.
  3. Enter:
    • Name — the category label (e.g., "Haematology", "Clinical Chemistry", "Microbiology")
    • Short Code — an abbreviation used in reports and exports
    • Parent Category — if this is a sub-category, select the parent (e.g., "Immunology" under "Biochemistry")
  4. Click Save.

See also: Lab Service Categories.

Sample / Specimen Types

A specimen type defines what kind of biological material is collected from the patient — for example, Venous Blood, Capillary Blood, Mid-Stream Urine, High Vaginal Swab, or Cerebrospinal Fluid.

Adding a Specimen Type

  1. Go to Menu > Admin > LIMS > Specimens (or Manage Metadata > Specimens).
  2. Click Add Specimen.
  3. Enter:
    • Name — the full specimen name (e.g., "Venous Blood")
    • Short Name — abbreviated label (e.g., "VB")
    • Description — optional clinical notes about collection requirements
  4. Click Save.

Each investigation is linked to a specimen type when the investigation is configured. The specimen name appears on the barcode sticker and worksheet.

See also: Biological Specimens for Laboratory Testing.

Containers (Tubes)

A container defines the physical vessel used to collect the sample — including tube type, stopper colour, and additive. The container appears on the barcode sticker to guide the phlebotomist.

Adding a Container

  1. Go to Menu > Admin > LIMS > Containers (or Manage Metadata > Containers).
  2. Click Add Container.
  3. Enter:
    • Name — e.g., "EDTA Tube (Purple)", "Plain Tube (Red)", "Fluoride Oxalate (Grey)", "Universal Container"
    • Short Name — abbreviated label
    • Description — notes on the additive and typical use
  4. Click Save.

Link the container to an investigation in the investigation's configuration (the Container field).

See also: Lab Containers.

Investigation Tubes

An investigation tube is a named association between an investigation and the container required. In some configurations, this is managed separately from the container master to allow finer-grained labelling on the sticker.

Go to Menu > Admin > LIMS > Investigation Tubes to add and manage tube associations.

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