Create a Protocol

 File> New

Learn About the Protocol Steps

  1. Click the toolbar button or select File> New.

Save time by setting your preference for New Protocols.

  1. Select the Instrument: Click the link to make a selection. Specify the COM port the instrument is connected to, and choose the instrument model, if necessary.
  2. Change the Plate Type, if necessary: Use the drop-down list of valid options based on the current instrument settings.
  3. Enter a Protocol Name: this "on-board name" must comply with the instrument's naming limitations, e.g. number of characters. ClosedMore...

    This name will identify the protocol when it is downloaded to the washer/dispenser. Most liquid handlers limit the "on-board" name to 16 alphanumeric characters, including these symbols:

    —

    /

    :

    _

    dash or hyphen

    forward slash

    colon

    underscore

    Spaces in the filename are prohibited. Use one of these symbols to separate words in the protocol name.

    • Microsoft's file-naming rules prohibit the use of the slash and colon, as well as other so-called offending characters. LHC requires a different name if these symbols are used in files you want to store on your host computer.
  4. Optionally, use the Protocol Version text field for useful information. The Archive Revision number is assigned by the LHC, incrementing every time the protocol file is changed and saved. LHC Secure users have the option to save all versions of a protocol; see Protocol History.
  5. Optionally, in the Protocol Comments box, enter a description of the routine, or plate handling instructions, or any other text you want to keep with this protocol. This text and the other text fields, will be included in a print out of the protocol.

The Protocol Comments text box allows you to paste content copied from another Windows application.

  1. Fill the BioStack checkbox, if applicable, to define steps for Using the BioStack to process plates. The action buttons for controlling the BioStack are enabled or disabled accordingly.
  2. Click the desired action button to add that step to the list of Protocol Steps. Define the step's parameters in the dialog that opens. You can modify them later, if needed.
  3. Continue adding steps, as needed, to define the protocol.
  4. Click to make sure the sequence of steps is acceptable. The LHC does not determine if the currently attached instrument can perform the steps until runtime, when it communicates with the instrument. You can create protocols for multiple instruments without having them connected to the host computer. ClosedMore...

    Use Validate to make sure the protocol syntax is correct. The LHC assesses details like Loop start and end tags.

LHC does not (cannot) determine if there is sufficient fluid or labware to successfully execute the protocol. It is your responsibility to make sure each step can be successfully completed.

  1. Click (or select File> Save) and give this new protocol a unique name.

LHC Secure logs an audit trail event when a protocol is saved.