Workflows - Batch Plating
The Batch Plating Activity Step allows you to track the lab process of moving samples from one container to another and to record the sample position within the container. If your secondary container already has a unique identification number, you can record it. Alternatively, you can have Ovation auto-generate a unique identification number for the container and associate all batched samples to that container ID. Details for sample location, metadata, and files can also be associated with a Batch Plating Activity Step.
1. In the workflow, click “Batch Plating”
2. Add Destination Container details. Choose to enter an existing Container ID or Auto generate a Container ID
Do you have an existing Container ID? If yes…
If you do not have an existing Container ID…
Note: You cannot have more samples than wells. Choose the appropriate container type.
3. Choose one of the three sample position assignment options for your Destination Container using the table below. Then scroll to the position assignment option of your choice
Automatically assign
A. Choose the “Automatically assign” option
B. Skip to Step 4 of this section under Batch Plating. The system will automatically assign your samples a position when this step is submitted
Manually assign
A. Choose the “Manually assign” option 
B. The blue well on the plate map indicates the selected well. Click the checkbox next to the sample you wish to assign to the selected blue well
C. Click the next well you wish to assign. Wells that already have an assigned sample are green
D. Click the checkbox of the next sample you wish to assign. Keep choosing wells and assigning samples until all samples are assigned
Tip: Hovering over a green well will show the sample currently assigned to that well
E. Skip to Step 4 of this section under Batch Plating. The system will assign your samples to the positions you chose when this step is submitted
Upload plating configuration
A. Choose the “Upload plating configuration” option
B. Prepare your CSV for upload. Have all wells listed in the first column of your CSV. Have all Sample IDs listed in the second column aligned with their designated well. Save your CSV file
Tip: Columns must have the well format A01, not A1
C. Drag and drop of click Add Files to select your file
D. Check for the green validated successfully banner
Note: Missing samples from the batch will be indicated in a yellow warning banner after uploading your CSV. Extra samples in the file, but not included at the previous Create Batch step, are also indicated in yellow, but these samples are ignored
E. Skip to Step 4 of this section under Batch Plating. The system will assign your samples to the positions you chose when this step is submitted
4. Optional: Scroll down after entering position assignments for the samples to the results section. Click “Add Files” to add any files you want associated with the samples. Click the box under “Notes” to document any notes
Note: Files and notes display within the workflow and any attached files can be downloaded here.
5. Scroll up and click the green “Submit” button, then click “Return to Workflow”
