How to setup and integrate LVL rack scanners?

SUMMARY:

LabCollector offers integration of rack scanners to increase the automation process in labs thereby reducing data entry errors. LabCollector scanserver uses TCP/IP server that can send results over local/remote networks. Thus, data can be imported from rack scanners & a file can be generated that is then integrated into LabCollector LIMS. Our add-ons like tube sorter can work hand-in-hand with rack scanners to ensure automated efficient sample tracking.

Scanners always work with their own software. LVL rack scanners work with LVL SAFE® READ software.

However, AgileBio’s ScanServer allows for the conversion of scan results into a rack/tray map file comprehensible by LabCollector using Samples Batch Tools add-on.

To set up the scan server follow the below steps:-

1. AgileBio ScanServer Installation & LabCollector set up

2. LVL scanner setup & configuration

…..2.1. Configure AgileBio Scan Server with LVL

3. Scanning the Racks

1. AgileBio ScanServer installation & LabCollector set up

• LabCollector offers integration of rack scanners to increase the automation process in labs thereby reducing data entry errors.
• LabCollector scan server uses TCP/IP server that can send results over local/remote networks.
• Please read further our KB to know how to setup Scanserver with LabCollector Batch generator (Rack Scanner).

2. LVL scanner setup & configuration

• Locate and open the LVL SAFE® READ software installer that came with your LVL rack scanner.
• Proceed through the installation screens by following on-screen instructions.

• Wait for the process to complete. When installation is finished, a pop-up window will prompt you to click Finish.

• After installation, open the LVL SAFE® READ software.
• On the login screen, create your default admin login by entering a username and password in the respective fields. This will grant you administrative access to the software’s settings (as shown in the screenshot below).

• After logging in, the main screen of the LVL SAFE® READ software will open. Click on Settings to access the configuration options.

• In the Rack ID section, choose a method for generating your rack ID. Options include:
  • Date-Time: Automatically generates the rack ID based on the current date and time.
  • Rack ID: Use the predefined rack ID.
  • Ask After: Manually input the rack ID after each scan.
  • Ignore: Choose this if no rack ID is required.

• Go to Auto Rack Orientation.
• If you’re using LVL’s dedicated racks, the Rack ID code is by default located in the top-right corner.
• For racks from other brands, check the rack ID location and specify it in the software as shown in the user interface.

• Navigate to the Export tab, and select TCP Server as the export method.
• This setting allows data to be sent over a network, enabling the integration with AgileBio’s ScanServer.
• Make a note of the IP Address and Port displayed here, as you’ll need these for configuring the ScanServer later.

• In the Status section, check the TCP connection status.
• If it shows Server Started, the connection is live and ready for data transmission, meaning you can start scanning racks.

Configure CSV Data Line Format in LVL SAFE® READ

In the Export Settings > CSV > Data Format tab of LVL SAFE® READ, set the correct structure for the exported data line.
This ensures that LabCollector can read and assign scanned tube positions properly.

• Set the Data Line field as: [TubeRowCol], [TubeCode], FreeText

• Make sure the “Show Column Headers” option is ticked.
• Adjust date/time formats and order as needed (ROW, yyyMMdd, HH:mm:ss) depending on your setup.

2.1. Configure AgileBio Scan Server with LVL

• • Start the AgileBio ScanServer on your system.

• • Go to Options to configure settings for the LVL scanner.

• • In the Options menu, check the Autostart box if you want ScanServer to automatically initiate with LabCollector’s Batch Generator (Rack Scanner) tool.
  • This setting saves time by making ScanServer available immediately upon opening LabCollector’s rack scanning feature.
  • Within the LVL section in AgileBio ScanServer’s Options, enter the IP Address and Port you noted from the LVL SAFE® READ software.

3. Scanning the Racks

• Start your scanner and open AgileBio ScanServer.

• Start the AgileBio Scan Server process.

• In the LabCollector go to TOOLS -> Batch generator (Rack Scanner) tool. Below the Batch generator options are explained in detail.

• A. Direct Scanner trigger input

  • This tool allows direct imports of scanned well rack/trays from several manufacturers (LVL, Micronic, BioMicroLab, FluidX, Thermo, Ziath, Biotillion…). 
  • The scanner generates a rack/tray map file that is loaded into LabCollector.
  • This accelerates sample registration with direct storage definition.
  • LabCollector recognizes scanner file formats automatically.

• • 1. Choose the rack that you set up in LabCollector from the list,
  • 2. Then click on Scan! button, the rack/box map preview will appear.
  • NOTE: JAVA has to be updated to allow the Scan! button to be active.
    
  • NOTE: If you have problems after the Process step, such as the list of positions not loading fully, please ensure that your php.ini file has a sufficient memory limit. The php.ini file can be found via the LabCollector -> Server Manager -> Configure Servers -> PHP Search for “memory_limit” in this file and increase the figure as needed e.g. 512M. Check the KB for more information on LabCollector server manager.

• B. Scanner Output or File Import

  • This mode allows you to import a file produced by a rack scanner and you can choose the correct format of the file.
  • 3. Here you can select the output file for the rack scanner.
  • 4. You can choose the file format from the options if you want the position, RackID, tube code, etc.

• C. Generic

  • The External Data Source part can be used together with the Direct scanner trigger mode if you want to import additional information about the samples at the same time.
  • 5. You can do generic settings like rack or box (which rows and columns) you don’t want to scan.
  • 6. You can choose the options depending upon if it’s a storage box or microplate.
  • 7. Here you can choose to automatically name the record.
    – You can assign an automatic name or add a prefix and suffix according to your requirement.

• D. Processing options.

  

  • 8. Processing options allow you to process the box or plate by either forcing the specific position by row and column or labels.
  • 9. You can choose a field separator that you want in your CSV.
  • 10. If you want to add and merge more data together with scanned vials you can choose the format of the CSV.
  • 11. You can choose the file that you want to upload.

• E. Rack origin and template

  

  • 12. Based on the template [choose a template to apply].
    NOTE: You can create this template by going to ADMIN -> SETUP -> RACK SCANNERS. Check section 2 of this linked KB.
  • 13. You can choose if you want to create a new tube/rack existing rack with a direct barcode read.
  • 14. This option allows you to choose the existing tube rack, enter the rack ID/barcode corresponding, which is already in LabCollector.
  • 15. Here you can replicate the existing rack, select tube rack/box in the list. In this case, the box will be saved as secondary storage of existing samples.
  • 16. This option allows you to derive to a new record from the existing rack.
  • 17. Here you can select the master tube or rack from the below options.
    NOTE: You can create the storage by going to ADMIN -> STORAGE -> MANAGE STORAGE. Check this linked KB.
  • 18. Once you have entered all the details you can click on process.

Related topics:

• Please see the KB on how to set up a Rack scanner with LabCollector.
• Please check how to set up a FluidX rack scanner with a scan server and LabCollector.
• Please check how to set up a Micronic Tracxer code reader setup with a scan server and LabCollector.