How does the container auto-allocation strategy works in OpenSpecimen?

OpenSpecimen uses two main methods to decide where to store samples in containers:

1. Least Empty Container

What it does:
Chooses the container that has the fewest empty spots. This helps fill up partly used boxes instead of starting new ones.

How it works:

• If multiple boxes have the same space, it picks the one which created first - Creation order of boxes

• Otherwise, it will pick the least empty stop box

Examples:

• In case of multiple boxes with same number of empty spots(B1, B3), if storing Plasma or any sample, the system selects B1 because it was created first and has no restrictions — it can store any sample type

Important Notes:

• Box age matter when same number of spots available in multiple boxes

• Works for both empty and partly filled boxes.

• You can see box creation order by exporting the freezer.

• If the box picked isn’t suitable, choose manually.

2. Recently Used Container

What it does:
Uses the same box that was used recently for the same specimen type and Collection Protocol (CP), if space is available.

Why it helps:
Keeps similar samples together, makes it easier to track and manage them.

Summary

If needed, you can override both and select a box manually.