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Accurately Identifying Sample Batches

One or more samples grouped together for a common analytical procedure is considered a Sample Batch.

The Sample Batch Identifier is normally created by the person who sends the samples to the laboratory, possibly according to a company standard (see second box below).

Typically, laboratories create their own Laboratory Identifiers which correspond to Sample Batch Identifiers, if they exist.

If the submitter of the samples does not provide a Sample Batch Identifier, other means have to be used to match reported results to the sample batch - such as the date it was submitted, or the number of samples in the batch, or the sample identifiers of the samples in the lab report. This is an inefficient and error-prone way of linking laboratory reports with sample submissions.

It is therefore highly recommended that Sample Batch Identifiers are used when submitting samples to laboratories.

CampControl scans "results" emails received from analytical laboratories for Sample Batch Identifiers in order
(a) to respond to "sample receipt" confirmation notes sent by the laboratory, and
(b) to know where to store the analytical reports, when they arrive.
It is thus important that laboratories include the Sample Batch Identifier for the sample results they are reporting in the title or body of the email reporting the results. If this is not done, CampControl cannot correcty process the email.

These are some typical Sample Batch Identifier formats and examples:

Format: <year><geologist initials><project id><sequential batch number> Example: 2008/CPS/Gabon/003
Format: <year><project><sample type abbreviation><sequential batch number> Example: 08/TG/S/23