Sample List: Import Samples from a .dat file

Sample List: Import Samples from a .dat file

Overview

The Sample List library provides multiple ways for adding samples so that they can be evaluated at a later time. On this page we will focus on the steps for importing samples from a .dat file. This workflow is useful for all users that are importing samples containing characters not found in the Latin alphabet. For example, Cyrillic languages, Asian languages, languages written from right to left, etc.

If your samples contain characters that are found in the Latin alphabet, you can still follow the steps in this workflow, or you can choose to follow the steps for importing samples from a .csv file.

If you have access to multiple analyst groups, be sure to select the analyst group you wish to import the samples into before following the steps on this page.

Prepare the File for Import

The best way to prepare a file is by exporting our example file:
  1. From the Dashboard, select Libraries > Sample list.

  2. Click Import.

  3. In the Import samples screen, click Example import file. Open the file. It will be a .csv file, and this is the format you need for now, so please do not change the file format just yet.


    Importing samples from a file requires that the file has at least one column named Sample Name. The example import file has two columns, the Sample Name and Product Code, in case you wish to link your samples to the products in you Products library.

    If you choose to take advantage of this, please ensure that the codes you enter in this column match a product or products in the Products library. If you do not wish to link samples to products, or do not have products set up yet, delete this column from the file

    Other columns can be included in the import by including the column headers that match existing columns in your subscription.

  4. Update the file with your sample information.


  5. Save the file by following the steps below. This will ensure compatibility during the import. Make a note of where the file is saved.
    1. In Excel, select File Save As.

    2. From the list of file formats, select Unicode Text (*.txt).


  6. Click Save and close the file.

  7. Locate the file and rename it by changing its extension from .txt into .dat. When warned about this change, click Yes to confirm that this is what you want to do. The file will be ready for the import.


Import Samples into the Sample List

  1. From the Dashboard, select Libraries > Sample list.

  2. Click Import and browse to the .dat file you prepared earlier.

  3. Click Submit. The samples you imported should now be listed in the Sample list library.

The samples will remain in this list until you or another analyst that has access to the analyst group where you imported samples adds the samples into a test.

What if Things Don't Go As Expected?

If you receive an import error as seen in the screenshot below, please read the error message carefully and review your file in order to update any discrepancies. If still unsure what the issue is, please contact Support Team for assistance.