Sampling - Other Sample Types

Who can use this feature? 

Field Staff & System Administrators 

Purpose 

Field → Sampling has a dedicated area for Other Sample Types. From here, you can manage samples and lab specimens made of various materials, like soils, asphalts, and aggregates.

Available actions

• Add samples to the selected project
• Manage existing samples for the project 
• Pick-up and submit (check-in) project specimens to a chosen lab 
• View existing specimens for the project 
• Clear local forms off your device 
• View list of Offline Records saved to your device 

For info on the Sampling – Other Sample Types area of Field, click here.

Add Samples: What to expect

MetaField Sample forms are highly customizable. They can include different required fields and pages based on how they’re set up. For example, the two forms shown here come from the same environment but contain different fields and sections.

Because of this flexibility, your forms may look a little different from the examples shown. Still, you can follow this basic workflow to add Sample forms to your projects:

1. Select a project to log the sample against
2. Press Add Sample under Other Sample Types 
3. Choose a sample type from the list  
4. Add details on the sample (sample date, technician, etc.) 
5. Save the sample; you’ll see a confirmation message on completion.

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Add Sample Pages
Your Sample forms may include separate pages for you to enter additional info on the sample, such as:

• Lab Instructions: Enter info on lab tests to be performed. 
• Specimens: Add details about specimens created from the sample. 
• Specifications: Enter specifications related to a sample. 

After completing a page, you can click Back to return to the main Add Sample form, or Next to advance to the next page. The info you entered will be saved either way.
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Manage Samples

You have the option to filter and look up past samples logged under a project. Selecting a sample will open it for editing. You can also use the short-cut buttons beside the sample to perform certain actions: 
 

• Arrow button ⬆️: Pick up the sample 
• Check button ✔️: Check sample into a lab 
• X button ✖️: Delete the sample 

Pick-Up Specimens 

Select the specimen set(s) you want to pick up and transport to the lab, then press Continue. You’ll fill out some pick-up details, then click Save. 
 
Specimens can be picked up and checked in in batch using the Pick Up Specimens or Check-In Specimens buttons. This batch process is helpful when you have multiple sets that will share the same data/details. 

Check-In Specimens 

Select the specimen set(s) you want to check-in to the lab, then press Continue. You’ll fill out some check-in details (specimen status, which lab to submit to, etc.), then click Save.  
 
Receive Specimens in Lab (Configurable) 
Your Admin can configure Lab to make receiving specimens part of this check-in process. If so, you’ll see an option to Receive Specimens in Lab. Checking this will cause the specimen to be checked in and received by the chosen lab automatically. 

Uncollected Samples & Specimens 

There may be circumstances where samples are uncollected. Specimens belonging to these samples can be marked as uncollected in Field, allowing them to be identified in the Review module. 

To mark a specimen as Uncollected: 

1. Press Pick-up Specimens 
2. Select the appropriate sample, then press the pick-up button 
3. Change the status of the specimen from Picked Up to Uncollected 
4. Select the specimen in the set to be marked as uncollected 
5. Press Save 

Specimens marked as Uncollected will only appear in the Review (QC) module, and not in Lab (LIMS). 

Want to keep learning?

Click here for more how-to articles and MetaField guides. You can also access in-app guidance using the Help Desk!