Screening data in the modern laboratory originates from a wide variety of instruments from many manufacturers. In general, there are options present in the instrument control software to export collected data into regular text-based formats.

Extensive experience with these outputs has made it clear that the only viable approach to a hands off (i.e. no cut and paste) data import tool is to develop instrument-specific Data Filters for one (or a few) of the file formats which the instrument produces.

As long as agreements are reached with Users regarding which file formats will be supported, it is relatively easy and straight-forward to code robust data filters capable of importing any instrument data into ScreenAble. The filters available in a given ScreenAble installation will vary by Customer requirements.

ScreenAble has a generic TEXT data filter which handles several simple output formats and a CLIPBOARD filter with similar capabilities. New filters can be created as a custom service or, if local R expertise is available, Customers may write their own. Filter code and its associated help file resides in the database and can be linked to specific instrument folders and file extensions. Although multiple folders can be used to construct an import list, only one filter may be specified per run.

We have an extensive collection of filters for a wide variety of formats already available. They are open-source like all our R-Code and freely available to our supported Customers if suitable to their needs.