Batch
A batch is the set of samples you process together with one method. Quanto stores a batch as a .qtb file.
What is in a batch
Each row in View → Samples and results → Samples is one data file. The Type column is the sample’s role:
| Type | Role |
|---|---|
| Sample | Unknown or other analysis sample. Concentration is read from the curve. |
| Calibration | Standard used to fit the curve. |
| QC | Quality-control level. It is calculated from the curve. The fit uses Calibration samples. |
| CCV | Continuing calibration verification. A known concentration, quantitated on the Cal group curve. The fit uses Calibration samples. See Continuing calibration verification. |
| Blank | Reagent or matrix blank. |
| Solvent | Solvent blank. On the curve it is treated like an unknown. |
The same grid holds the sample list and the properties you edit there: name, dose, dilution, comment, acquisition time, position, acquisition key, instrument, path, limit group, calibration group, matrix, and sample groups. User-defined fields that appear only while adding files are not stored on the batch sample.
The method belongs to the batch. Method → Load or import… replaces it, or appends analytes under another acquisition key. Method → Save method… writes the method as its own .qtm package.
Adding, opening, and saving
File → New batch… starts a batch. Batch properties asks how calibration standards build curves. See Bracketing.
File → Add samples… adds data files. The acquisition key defaults to the method acquisition key taken from the sample information.
File → Remove samples… drops samples from the batch.
File → Open batch… opens a saved .qtb (the dialog title is Select Batch). File → Save batch… always asks for a name and a folder. Saved batches live under the data folder’s QuantoResults area. File → Recent batches lists batches you opened recently.
File → Make Readonly marks the batch file so it cannot be overwritten. File → Send batch to desktop and File → Explore open the batch location.
Processing
Use Analyze in this order:
- Get signals — extract chromatograms for the current method channels from the sample files.
- Integrate — detect and integrate peaks on those signals. See Integration.
- Quantitate — identify peaks, fit curves, and calculate concentrations. See Quantitation.
Review the numbers in Results, Sample details, Result details, and Calibration. Approve, zero a peak, or undo a manual integration from the review tools. Edit → Undo and Edit → Redo step through those review actions (approve, undo approve, zero, or undo manual integration). They do not undo a method edit.
Analyze → Reset manual integration can clear manual peaks for the entire batch, the selected samples, or the selected analytes.
View → Report opens the batch report workbook. See Report templates.
View → Reset layout restores Samples, Results, Sample details, Result details, and Calibration.
Example batches with stored chromatograms, peaks, and curves are listed in Example batches. They open without the original data files.