Hamilton VENUS to LIMS integration for sample preparation

Connect preparation and analysis in the same sample record.

Seal provides the record around the automated run: which samples were requested, which method was used, which transfers were recorded and which destination wells went on to analysis. That connection helps scientists follow an unexpected assay value back to the preparation that produced it.

With preparation and analytical evidence linked, neil can help assemble the history of selected wells and highlight recorded execution exceptions for review. Your automation team retains ownership of the VENUS method while the wider laboratory gains useful access to its results.

With the records connected, try asking neil:

Trace these unexpected assay wells back through the Hamilton preparation run. Show source samples, destination wells, method revisions and recorded transfer exceptions.

Agree the output with the VENUS method owner.

Hamilton describes VENUS run logs with executed commands, volume data and error information, and provides resources on connecting automation data to LIMS. Select the run-tracking output or supported interface available in your installation with the method owner.

For a file-based Seal connection, collect the finalized execution evidence with the method revision and requested worklist. If an API is part of the design, scope its permissions and operations explicitly. The first useful milestone is a preparation run whose requested and recorded outcomes can be compared in Seal.

Build genealogy from recorded transfers.

Model a source container and position, a destination container and position, and the recorded transfer outcome. Plate barcode plus well address gives a reusable laboratory identity; a deck location describes where a plate sat in one run.

Keep planned transfers alongside executed evidence so scientists can see where the two agree. A skipped step or recovery action remains part of that run's history. This gives the destination sample a useful preparation record without assuming that a requested transfer was completed.

Carry the preparation forward to the analytical result.

Connect destination wells to the plate-reader or downstream test record. Preserve dilution and preparation references at the level needed by the assay. Where several sources contribute to one destination, retain those contributions so the result can be traced through pooling or mixing.

Use the run and transfer identities to reconcile repeated deliveries. If the method is amended for the next run, retain the prior execution under its original revision. Seal then becomes a shared place to inspect sample preparation across automation and analytical teams.

Vendor references for this workflow

• Hamilton VENUS software and run information. Vendor overview of run logs and automation software capabilities.
• Hamilton: VENUS software, AI and LIMS. Vendor resource on the interface between VENUS and laboratory data systems.

Test it with your data.

Use these cases to agree and test the connection’s behaviour. They are proposed acceptance checks, not completed tests or automatic connector features.

Check your system’s connection options.

Confirm the installed version, available exports and permissions. These pages cover the source interface and link to setup instructions.

• Hamilton Microlab STAR VENUSVendor documentation ↗
• Molecular Devices SoftMax ProVendor documentation ↗
• LabWare LIMSVendor documentation ↗
• LabVantage LIMSVendor documentation ↗

For configuration: Seal Scripts and local-file collection.

Build the workflow around your lab.

Start with a Seal blueprint, then connect the source evidence and records your team uses.

• Sample management and genealogy
• Electronic lab notebooks
• Laboratory information management