1 Introduction
2 Creating Distribution Containers
3 Store Specimens in Distribution Containers
4 Retrieve distributed specimens from holding containers
5 Email notifications to pick specimens

Introduction

During distribution, specimens can be stored in a holding freezer before the requester picks up the specimens. This is done in by doing the following:

Create Distribution Containers (as admin)
Store specimens in “holding location” during distribution

Creating Distribution Containers

Only “distribution containers” can be used to store specimens as a “holding location”. All the container properties are the same as those of a storage container. I.e., you can create a freezer hierarchy, dimensionless containers, etc.

Follow the steps below to create distribution containers:

Go to the home page and click on 'Containers' card
Click on 'Create' button
Select the option 'Distribution' of the 'Used For' field
Enter all valid details, select distribution protocol from the drop-down and click on 'Create' button

The 'Distribution Protocols' dropdown will appear only after selecting the 'Distribution' option of the 'Used For' field

Store Specimens in Distribution Containers

While creating a specimen order, you can store the specimens in distribution containers. Select the holding location of the specimens from the 'Specimens' page while creating the Orders.

Refer to the wiki page for distributing specimens

Retrieve distributed specimens from holding containers

Once the requester has come to pick up the specimens, the user can retrieve all the specimens from the distribution containers.

Note: This assumes the requester has access to OpenSpecimen and the necessary privileges to access the Distribution Protocol.

As the requester, go to the Order's overview page.
Click on the 'Specimens' tab from the left side menu
From the order specimen's list, click on the 'Retrieve' button
Enter the reason for retrieval of specimens and click on 'Retrieve' button

Pre-requisite to use ‘Retrieve’ feature: The researcher should have role assigned to the distributing site of the distribution protocol which is used in the order

Email notifications to pick specimens

A system-level nightly job has been created to remind requestors to pick up distributed specimens when they fail to collect specimens from the holding tank.

Sent to all requestors whose requested specimens have been in the holding tanks for more than 24 hours.
The reminder is sent every night until the specimens are either picked up or removed from the holding tanks.
Copied to the distributor, DP PI, and coordinators, as well as the receiving site coordinators.