This feature lets users link a Collection Protocol (CP) to specific Distribution Protocols (DPs). Once linked, specimens from that CP can be distributed only to those DPs—helpful for routinely reserving samples for certain sites or investigators and preventing distribution to unintended DPs.

By linking CP with DP, users will be able to:

1. Reserve/categorize samples for a set of already established projects

2. Quickly distribute samples without following extra steps.
   
   

When DPs are added under CP, they become the exclusive DPs allowed for that CP. As a result, all specimens collected under that CP can only be distributed to the DPs linked to it. If a user attempts to distribute a specimen to a DP that is not linked to the CP, an error (as shown in the screenshot) will appear.

In such cases, the user must either:

1. Remove all DPs from the CP. This allows specimens to be distributed to any DP.
   OR

2. Add/associate the desired DP to the CP.

 

You can distribute specimens for a Collection Protocol that is marked as closed.

Linking CP with DP

1. In order to distribute samples directly using a unique distribution protocol, super admin needs to create that distribution protocol using 'Distribution Protocol'.

2. Once data has been entered and DP has been created, click on collection protocol of interest to view details. Select 'Settings' and click on ' Distribution'.

3. Click on 'Add Distribution Protocol' and select DP of interest from the drop-down menu to be added to the CP. User can add multiple DPs at this level.

4. Once the CP-DP has been set up, user should be able to distribute samples by selecting that DP under the settings.

Validation during distribution

During validation the system should check if the specimens distributed as based on the CP-DP linkage. E.g. if specimen S1 belongs to CP1 and if it is linked to DP1, then it cant  be distributed to any DP other than DP1.

This will happen disregard of what method the user applies to select and distribute specimens including, direct distribution or query interface.