..is an interface for automatically processing instrument data files as they are created. The reader instrumentation must be capable of creating an individual file for each plate. The file must be in its final form upon creation and unlocked. For this reason, it is suggested that the monitored folder be a network share and not the instrument's primary file writing area. Only one folder per session may be monitored for file creation events.

The RunWatcher interface can be used in one of two modes. In the first, reader data is acquired, summary statistics are calculated and the appropriate plots are rendered. Final output in this mode is equivalent to a PlateRun object. The second mode requires the existence of a DeclaredRun and compound information is associated with the Run object. The AssayRun must have only one SCREEN specified.

As data is processed during a Watched Run, plots are generated and presented in multi-tabbed windows of the interface and can be viewed at any time for quality control purposes. Available plots include plate-wise Scatterplots, ImagePlots and, if available, MultiRead plots.

Availability of this well level data significantly enhances the value of the summary or control data by allowing the User to associate specific locations or patterns to problem areas on a plate or in the run sequence.

If problems are noted, either corrective action can be taken to fix the problem or the run may be terminated to save valuable plates of test substances for subsequent runs. In this case, the run could be modified and any valid plate data could be processed as an ordinary AssayRun.