Ingredients
Ingredients are reusable catalog definitions for reagents, media components, biological materials, chemicals, and other consumable resources.
Ingredient metadata
Use a clear name, category, domain, default unit, storage requirements, handling notes, identifiers, and attached documentation. Record concentration or formulation in a structured and unambiguous way when it affects use.
Inventory default
Choose the default inventory effect:
- Consume for quantities depleted during execution.
- Reserve when availability must be confirmed without depletion.
- None for reference-only use.
Protocol steps can override the default for a specific procedure.
Suppliers and supplier items
An ingredient can have multiple supplier items representing vendors, catalog numbers, package sizes, prices, and lead times. Keep the scientific ingredient identity separate from vendor-specific purchasing data.
Lots
Physical stock is represented by inventory lots with quantity, unit, location, receipt, expiration, quarantine, and transaction history. Do not use the catalog record itself as proof that stock exists.
Protocol use
When adding an ingredient to a protocol step, define the required quantity, unit, optional concentration, and effective inventory behavior. Test unit conversion and consumption before approving the protocol.
Files and quality records
Attach safety data sheets, certificates of analysis, specifications, formulations, and handling procedures to the appropriate ingredient, supplier item, purchase, or lot.
Review and lifecycle
Avoid duplicate ingredients that differ only by supplier. Archive unused catalog records when history must remain; delete only unused drafts when permitted.