Sample groups
A sample group is a label you attach to samples so you can show or hide them together. The catalog is Sample groups in the method editor (View → Sample groups) and the Sample groups navigator pane. A sample may belong to several groups. The names are stored on the sample.
This is separate from the sample type (Sample, Calibration, QC, CCV, Blank, Solvent) and from the sample key.
What it drives
The navigator filter uses the groups. Uncheck a group to hide those samples in the views that follow the navigator. Each group has a display color.
Reports can test Sample.Groups in a Q.Samples or Q.AllCompounds filter. See Array functions.
Sample groups do not build brackets, do not average replicates, and do not choose doses or limit groups. Brackets follow acquisition time, sample type, and the calibration group. Replicate reporting follows the sample key. Limits follow the limit group. See Bracketing, Sample keys, and Limit groups.
How it differs from the sample key and the sample type
| Sample group | Sample key | Sample type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How many per sample | Several | One | One |
| Purpose | Filter and color | Which injection is reported | Calibration, QC, blank, or unknown |
| Used in the curve | No | No | Yes |
Rename a group and the memberships follow. Delete a group and the name is removed from each sample.