Using Enum for calculations

[jhentzen]

I'm trying to get empower to calculate results based on what type of sample I give each sample in an enumerated custom field. We run different samples (CU, Assay, in-process samples) at the same time sometimes, and thought that this would be the easiest way to get the results to show in the report nicely. I'm not sure what the format of the equation I would put into the custom field.

I have made custom fields for sample type and each different result calculation, but would like it to report the final result based off what sample it is (like an if/then statement in excel). I'm kind of new to custom fields, so if there is an easier way to do it I would be open to suggestions.

[Hollow]

couldn't this be done without a custom field, only by a proper set up of the label and reference functionality?
Have a look at the empower help on this.

[jhentzen]

I am currently trying to get it working without the custom field, but that involves me to create about 20 result tables for the report so that it reports them correctly. They are pretty easy tables, but it still seems a lot to me. I'm not sure if the enumerated field would help a lot or not, but I had recently heard about it from a coworker and thought it presented an intriguing option to make my life a little easier.

Thank you for the suggestion

[Hollow]

I actually don't have a PC with empower near me so I'm writting the suggestion from mind.

If it's only the report that is different, why don't you make several report method, fitted to the individual sample types, and the guide Empower to use these report methods?
Maybe you have to make several Method sets with the indivial reports in it (this would also have the advantage of using differnt processing method for the dif. sample types).

e.g.
1x Method set with only the instrument method in it; used for acquisition

individual method sets with process and report methods in it; used for calibration and quantitation with label refernces, including reporting (Process and report function)

[benW]

Hi jhentzen!

Firstly, Happy Holidays!

You are right that Enumerated fields can be used as you wish, however the syntax is a closely guarded secret - so as long as you don't tell anyone , here is an example:

Create the custom fields to report your result (for example, CField1 and CField2 for samples named a and b respectively)

Create the enumerated custom field, such as a Peak type. You must set the "Use As:" property to "Field".

Then write the custom field:

ENUM(EQI(SampleName,"a"),EQI(SampleName,"b"))

This will enumerate when the SampleName is a or A, or b or B.

In the translation box:
for value 0 type CField1 (fc)
for value 1 type CField2 (fc)

The enumerated field will now report the value in CField1 for sample a or CField2 for sample b.

Hope this helps
Update how you get on with this...
Ben