Leveraging Labguru for Stability Testing Operation

Labguru offers flexible tools to support a wide range of laboratory workflows. Stability studies are no exception. This guide outlines one effective approach to managing stability testing using Labguru’s core entities—Projects, SOPs, Protocols, Experiments, Samples, Tasks, and Datasets.

Please remember that Labguru is adaptable: your lab may follow a different structure depending on internal practices, regulatory needs, or team preferences.

Using Labguru for Stability Testing Operations

Stability testing evaluates how a product maintains its quality over time under various environmental conditions.

Many actions in Labguru can be supported or streamlined using automation tools to minimize manual effort and improve efficiency.

The example below provides a straightforward path that can be customized and enhanced using automation tools to reduce manual work and improve overall efficiency.

In this video, you’ll see a step-by-step demonstration of how Labguru’s automation tools can streamline stability studies operations

Suggested Workstream Overview

The following flow provides a direct method for integrating the operations without automation.

1. Create a Project

Use the Project entity as a central hub to group all related protocols, experiments, samples, and documentation for a specific stability study.
For example you can track the entire process of testing for product A in the project: Stability Testing – Product A

2. Design and Organize Protocols

Option A: Individual Protocol and Experiment Creation

Define a Stability Testing Protocol that outlines:
- Sample prep steps
- Storage conditions
- Time points (e.g., T=0, T=1M, T=3M, etc.)
Create experiments from this protocol and add relevant metadata such as batch number, formulation, and storage environment (e.g., 25°C/60% RH).

To centralize and analyze your test results, use the Datasets module.

Datasets allow you to compile structured data from multiple experiments or time points—ideal for tracking changes over time in stability studies.

While designing your protocols use the Form element to help structure captured data
- You can create fields like:
  - Time Point
  - Temperature
  - Sample ID
  - pH Reading
  - Appearance/Color
  - Assay Result (e.g., % Purity)
These fields guide lab personnel through exactly what data needs to be captured during each experimental step.

Automatically Generating Datasets from Form Data

Here’s where it gets powerful: Data entered via Form Elements can be pushed directly into Datasets. This means that every time someone completes an experiment using the protocol with embedded forms:

The structured data is logged
It automatically populates a dataset (Serial or Table type)

Option B: Centralized SOP Structure

Create a Stability Testing SOP.
Include all related protocols from your protocols' list (sample prep, storage, analytical tests, etc.).
Starting the SOP will trigger the automatic creation of executable experiments organized in a dedicated folder for streamlined access and execution.
To learn more about SOP in Labguru click here.

3. Create and Manage Samples

In the Inventory module define the product or batch as a Parent Sample. Learn how to define Parent and Derived samples here.
Find or create the relevant sample.
Aliquoting: Use the Aliquot option to generate stocks (vials) for each time point and condition.
- Label samples accordingly (e.g., BatchA-T0-25C, BatchA-T3M-40C).
- Assign storage locations (freezer/incubator/shelves).

4.Schedule Time-Point Tasks

Use the Tasks module to create time-based activities:
- “Retrieve Batch A - 1 Month Sample for Analysis”
- Assign tasks to relevant users, link them to the experiments and specific samples.
- Set deadlines and reminders to ensure timely execution.

5. Run Tests and Capture Results

As each time point arrives, open the associated task and experiment.
Enter data directly into Labguru (e.g., results tables, instrument files, attachments).
Link results to specific sample records for traceability.

How Samples Are Created and Managed

Navigate to the Inventory module
Click New item → Define general properties (Name, Batch ID, Formulation).
After creation, use the Stocks and Aliquoting option to create vials or units per time point and condition.
Set location, label, and volume per stock.
Samples are searchable and can be linked to protocols, experiments, and tasks.

🧷 Tip: Best Practices 🧷

Use a naming convention for samples and aliquots for easier tracking.
Link between the storage location and experiment during sample creation to ensure traceability.

Related to

Managing Stability Testing Operations in Labguru: A Step-by-Step Workflow