When importing a lab report through ESdat Desktop, the Samples will have reference to a Lab_Report_Number, SDG and Lab_Name.

The values in these columns relate to an entry in the Lab_Reports table, and also the Lab_Sample_Delivery_Groups table.  These tables have further information about a particular lab report (ie Lab Signatory, date issued, etc..) and a particular Sample Delivery Group (ie Date received at the lab etc..).

The information that is entered into the Lab_Reports table, and the Lab_Sample_Delivery_Groups table is obtained from the Lab Report “Header” file (where present ), or minimal information is entered if it isn’t present.  See http://www.ESdat.net/Lab_Specifications.aspx for information on the files.

If when you are importing samples you get an error such as “Parent Record missing in table dbo.Lab_Reports” that means the information in the Header file is inconsistent with the information given for the sample in the same lab report (ie either the Lab report number, SDG or the Lab Name).

If you select “Create Missing Parent Records” then the samples will be imported, but wont be associated with the additional information about that lab report (ie Lab Signatory, date issued, etc..).  If that information is not important to you then there is no problem with doing that.  You can still filter by the Lab Report Number.

Ideally though the information in the Header would be consistent.  If the lab sends the files to our online “Lab Report Checker” these kinds of issues will be picked up.  All laboratories should know how to access the “Lab Report Checker”.

If using the “Lab Initiated Upload” or “ESdat Online” these issues are detected and automatically returned to the laboratory.