During and after testing, the Delvotest® Accelerator Smart (DAS) generates several types of results data. Some of this information is prepared into standard reports, which aid visual interpretation for daily decision-making by operators, and also for backwards integration automation with, for example, your local Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). In a previous article🔗, we explored the 'Running' interface results summary, where, after setting up a test, first results are immediately shown to help monitor progress. In this article, we explore where the DAS stores and organises the different types of results data it generates, introducing you to what these files are, and where to find more information about each.
Tests Folder
All test data is stored in the Tests folder. To access it, simply click on the Files tab, and then select the Tests folder. Inside, you'll find multiple Test subfolders, each representing an individual test. New test subfolders are automatically created as soon as you initiate a test, when a first Raw Image file is created (i.e., c. 6 seconds after start).
history.csv file
Within the Tests folder, there is an overarching history.csv file. This file serves as a comprehensive log of all tests performed, acting as the source and structure for the Database tab. For more information on how this data is structured, check out the Database Tab article🔗.
Test subfolders
Every Test subfolder follows a standard naming convention:
[Order Number]__[Date]-[Time]
- Order Number
A unique, four-digit numerical counter identifier for each test order (e.g., 0004).
__
Double underscore ('_') delimiter.
Date
The date the test started, defined according to this DAS's customisable localisation settings🔗. It's formatted without delimiters between its year (four digits), month (two digits), and day (two digits) values.
∴ YYYYMMDD
e.g., for 5 December 2024, the result should be 20241205.
_
Single hyphen ('-') delimiter.
Time
The time the test started, defined according to this DAS's customisable localisation settings🔗. It's formatted using a 24-hour clock, without delimiters between its hour (two digits), minute (two digits), and seconds (two digits) values.
∴ HHMMSS
e.g., for 11:55:22 (AM), the result should be 115522.
So, when considering the following example:
0004_20241205_115522
This means that is the fourth Test subfolder created in the Tests folder (i.e., [OrderNumber] = 0004), where a test began on 5 December 2024 (i.e., [YYYYMMDD] = 20241205), at 11:55:22 AM (i.e., [HHMMSS] = 115522).
Results Data Types
Inside every Test subfolder there are five different types of results data. With the exception of Raw Image files, all others only become safely available once testing is complete. Below is a high-level summary of what kind of data each contains, and where to find more details.
❗Though some of these files may be already visible and accessible once testing begins, we advise not opening them nor navigating in a Test subfolder during testing as this may corrupt this data.
.pdf // Portable Document Format file
Easy-to-read report, it contains the final plate table's results (including Z-values) and high-level, critical metadata (e.g., operator, temperature, etc.).
.csv // Comma-Separated Values file
The go-to format for advanced data analysis and auditing, it contains a detailed, minute-by-minute view of each plate-well (e.g., ID, Z-values, etc.), and external measurements (e.g., operator, temperature, method, etc.).
Raw Image files
Starting from c. 6 seconds after testing begins and then every 30 minutes thereafter during testing, the DAS captures an image of your Delvotest® plate. These files can be helpful, general guides for analysing visual colour changes over time.
Summary.dat file
Contains a brief summary of the incubation run, including an overview of key results, method details, and temperature conditions.
Next Steps
If you've been following the Installation and Setup flow🔗, congrats! You've officially ran your first test and got access to all the results data it generated! It took some effort, care and time to get you set up, but the good news is that from here on, with practice, it gets easier! ☺️ And, even better: there's a world of advanced features still to explore—from sample intake and results backwards data integration automation with your LIMS, to deep access and control over your data. To get started, just head over to our Advanced Features section and start exploring!
⏭️ Next series: Advanced Features🔗
💬 Got any questions? Need help? Get in touch support@delvotest.com