Biomaterials (Samples)

In a FAIR data management system, it is essential to record and preserve the processes and entities that have contributed to the generation of a piece of data. Biomaterials (Samples) are a central part of our data management application and our models aims at recording - at the best possible resolution - information about the different biological entities used thoughout the experimental chain.

Biomaterial Lineage

The sample is the entry point of our information lineage. It is used in combination to other entity models (Assay, Datasets) used to describes, at a high-resolution, the associated processes and output of an experiment.

Simple lineage model

In the most basic lineage model, a Sample is processed and analysed to generate data (Dataset). The detailed procedure according to which a scientific instrument is run to consume a sample and generate data is recorded into an Assay

Example of a sequencing assay

A paired-end sequencing assay, a sequencer (instrument) consumes a sequencing library (sample) to generate 2 fastq files (a dataset)

Relationships are important

In addition of the three modeled entities, LabID also records these relationships:

• Sample Assay Dataset
• Sample Dataset

More Advanced Lineage Model

A more advanced - but more empirical - lineage model also involves a description of Specimen (the living entity from which a Sample was obtained), and records more complex relationships (many-to-many, one-to-many relationships).

A more advanced lineage model in LabID

• A Sample is obtained from a Specimen
• Multiple Samples can be obtained from the same specimen
• An Assay:
  • consumes multiple Samples
  • generate multiple Datasets

The following relationships (incl. many-to-one and one-to-many) are recorded and maintained in the sample lineage:

• Specimen Sample Assay Dataset
• Sample Dataset