Validation messages · User manual

Find the message by when it appears. Messages are quoted as the application words them. A source row is the line number in your file, counting the header as line 1, or the Excel row number. A row is a row in the Data grid. Step-by-step recoveries are in Import problems and Analysis problems.

Choosing a file#

Message	What to do
Choose CSV, TSV, or XLSX.	Use `.csv`, `.tsv`, `.txt` or `.xlsx`. Save `.xls` and `.xlsm` files as `.xlsx` first.
Choose a CSV or TSV file of at most 2 MB.	Split the file or delete unneeded columns.
Choose a workbook of at most 2.9 MB.	Copy the sheet into a new workbook, or save it as CSV.
Paste at most 2 MB of text, or choose the file instead.	Import it as a file, or paste it in parts.
Request exceeds the 4 MB limit.	Import a smaller file.
This file could not be read as text. Export it as UTF-8 CSV.	In Excel, save as "CSV UTF-8".
This file is not text. Choose a CSV or TSV file, or an .xlsx workbook.	It may be a renamed workbook.
This is a workbook, not a text file. Upload it as an .xlsx workbook.	Save it as `.xlsx` and choose it again.

Reading the table#

These appear in the Import a file dialog after you choose a file or paste a table.

Message	What to do
The file is empty. Choose a CSV or TSV file with a header and results.	Choose a file with a header row and results, or paste all rows, headings first.
The table could not be read. Check that quotes around values are closed.	Look for an unclosed double quote.
An import can have up to 2,000 results and 40 columns.	Split the file into parts of up to 2,000 rows, or delete unused columns.
The table has a header but no observations.	Add the results under the header.
The header has 4 columns, but line 7 has values beyond them. Put quotes around values that contain the comma, such as "1,234.5", or remove the extra values.	Quote the value, or use another delimiter. See the columns do not line up.
Every value line is two whole numbers joined by a comma, such as “4,52” on line 2. This could be one column of decimal-comma numbers or two columns. Save the file with semicolons or tabs between columns and upload it again.	Re-export with semicolons or tabs.

Workbooks#

Message	What to do
This file is not an .xlsx workbook. Choose a valid .xlsx file.	Save it again as `.xlsx` in Excel.
The workbook could not be read: … Choose a valid .xlsx file. / The workbook contains an unreadable worksheet. Choose a valid .xlsx file.	Save the file again in Excel, or save the sheet as CSV.
Worksheet “Sheet1” is empty. / Worksheet “Sheet1” has a header but no observations.	Choose another sheet under Worksheet, or put one header row directly above the results.
… No worksheet in this workbook has a header and observations (…).	Put one header row directly above the results on one sheet.
This workbook holds more than 40 MB of worksheet data. Copy the results into a new workbook or a CSV file, then import again.	Copy the observations into a new workbook or a CSV file.
A worksheet row number is outside Excel’s range (1–1,048,576). / A worksheet cell is outside Excel’s range.	Copy the data into a new workbook.
A cell contains binary data. Remove it, then import again.	Remove the control characters from the cell, or save as CSV.
A cell has a conditional format that changes its percentage scale. Use one consistent percentage or number format, then import again.	Format the column with one percentage or number format.

Before the study is created#

One sentence beside the dialog's main button says what is still missing. Answer the question or fill in the field; the button then works. See importing a file.

Sentence	What to do
Say what the two result columns are.	Choose what they are in the question above.
Choose which method is your current one. / Choose the reference analyzer. / Choose which lot is in use now.	Answer the question.
Choose what to do with the results that are not plain numbers.	Exclude them, or keep them to correct in Data.
Choose which of the two result columns to use. / Say whether the repeated specimen IDs are different specimens. / Say whether to set aside the control or calibrator rows.	Answer the question.
Say how to read the numbered columns. / Say how to read the block headings.	Choose replicates, runs, days, or not used.
Choose what “Result 2” holds. / Say whether “Level” is the expected concentration.	Pick the column's use under Adjust columns.
Choose how the numbers in the file are written. / Choose the unit. / Check how the file’s text was read.	Answer the question.
Enter the analyte and unit.	Fill in the field.
Name the new project. / Choose the study to create.	Name the project, or select one of the ready studies.
The file writes decimals with a comma; this study uses a decimal point. Change the number format in Set up first. (or the reverse)	See the file writes decimals differently.
The file has 3 lots (…); a lot comparison compares two. Exclude the rows of the others.	Remove the other lots from the file.
No rows in this file match this study. / This file doesn’t fit this study. / This file can’t go into this study as it is.	The file's analyte, matrix, instrument or unit differs from the study's, or it lacks a column the study needs. Choose a group in Split this import, check Adjust columns, or import from the menu as a new study.
Studies that compare methods need the same specimen measured twice. / This file has no repeated results of one material, no two results per specimen and no expected values.	The file fits no study yet. Check its layout against Preparing files.

Rows that stop an import#

Fix the file and import again.

Message	What to do
Source row 7, specimen ID: 81 characters, but at most 80 fit. Shorten it in the file, or map a different column.	Shorten it, or check each column's use under Adjust columns. Character limits: IDs, instrument, level and lot 80; day, run, replicate, position, role and elapsed time 40; results, concentrations and storage condition 120; diluent 140; serial steps 200; exclusion reason 500.
Use yes/no, true/false or 1/0 in the Excluded column.	Fix the listed rows. An empty cell means not excluded.
This study would have more than 2,000 results. Split the data across studies.	Split the data across more studies.
Column “Result (mg/dL)” is in mg/dL, but this study uses mmol/L. Import the file into a study set up in mg/dL, or change the unit on Set up if mg/dL is right for this study.	Values are never converted. Use a study in the file's unit.
The file has a unit column, “Unit” (column 3), that is not mapped. (also analyte, matrix, instrument)	Give the column its use under Adjust columns, or remove it from the file.
The imported rows could not be added to this study.	Check Adjust columns and the file, then import again.

Reviewing appends, repeats and mixed files#

Message	What to do
This file is already imported into this study.	You imported this file or worksheet before. Usually choose Cancel.
3 rows are already in this study: …	They match a saved row in every value. Usually a double import. If they are real repeat measurements, choose Import an intentional repeat.
2 rows match more than one row in this study: … / An imported specimen matches more than one row in the study. Correct the file or the study, then import again.	Correct the IDs. For extra replicates, see the import is blocked.
Review the repeated results and missing sides, then accept to import.	Read the lists, then choose Import them anyway or Cancel. See Reviewing an append or a replacement.
This file mixes analytes, matrices, instruments or units. Each group needs its own study. Confirm to import only the rows that match this study.	Split this import opens. See Files that mix analytes, matrices, instruments or units.
No rows in this file match this study. Assign a group to this study or create studies for the groups.	Choose a group for this study, or create a study for at least one group.
A group can’t go to both this study and a new study.	Untick one.
This study already has results. Import the group into a new study instead.	Only an empty study can take a group. Create a new study for it.
The file was read again and something changed. Check the review, then import.	Check the review, then import.
… saved data version 5 while this page had data version 4 open. Nothing was overwritten.	Someone saved the study while the dialog was open. Reload the study and import again.

Row messages in the Data stage#

Flagged rows show Fix errors, with the message in red under the row. A summary above the grid names the rows, for example Input issues in rows 3, 14. You can save, but you can't calculate until you correct or exclude each flagged row. See Corrections and exclusions.

Result values#

The same checks apply to every other number you enter, such as concentrations, elapsed time, volumes and dilution factors.

Message	What to do
Enter a result or exclude this row with a reason.	Enter it, or exclude the row. See Blank results.
Enter an exact value, without <, >, ≤ or ≥.	Correct it or exclude the row.
“hemolyzed” is text. Enter a number, or exclude the row with a reason.	Exclude the row with a reason.
“12 H” has text or a flag with the number. Enter the number alone, or exclude the row.	Keep the number, or exclude the row.
This cell holds a spreadsheet formula. Enter the measured value.	Enter the measured value.
This is written with a decimal point (1,234.56), but the study uses a decimal comma (1.234,56). Correct the value, or change the numeric convention in Set up. (or the reverse)	Correct the value. If the whole file uses the other mark, change Numeric convention. See Numbers, units and identifiers.
Remove the spaces between the digits (“1 234”).	Remove the space.
Results must be within ±10¹⁰⁰.	Check for a typing or unit error.
This result is too small to calculate with.	Check the value and unit.
Round this result to at most 15 significant digits.	Round the value.
Negative results are disabled in Set up.	Tick Permit negative results in Calculation settings on Set up if the method reports them. Otherwise correct the value.

Required entries and reasons#

Message	What to do
Enter a coded specimen or material ID. (other studies: Enter a coded specimen ID., Enter a coded subject ID., Enter the material ID …)	Enter a coded ID.
Enter a concentration level or group. (reference intervals: Enter the reference partition (for example adult or pediatric).)	Enter the level. Some studies call it partition or analyte level.
Enter the reason for excluding this observation.	An exclusion needs a reason. Enter it.

Study-specific entries#

Study type	Message	What to do
Instrument comparison	Enter the instrument for this result.	Enter the instrument.
Reagent lot comparison	Enter the lot for this observation. / Lot “X” is not the old or new lot set in Set up.	Match Previous lot or New lot on Set up exactly, including case.
Linearity	Enter an expected concentration of zero or more. / Enter the expected concentration, or exclude this row with a reason.	Correct the preparation entry.
Dilution verification	Enter the dilution factor as a number instead of '1:5'. A ratio such as 1:5 could mean a factor of 5 or 6.	Give a factor such as `5`.
	Enter both volumes or neither. For undiluted material, enter a factor of 1 and leave the volumes blank. / Enter volumes, a dilution factor or serial steps for this dilution.	Give both volumes, a factor, or serial steps such as `5, 2`. With decimal commas, separate steps with `;`.
	The volumes give a factor of 5, but the stated factor is 4. Make them agree.	If you give more than one, they must agree.
	Enter a dilution factor of 1 or more. Use 1 for undiluted material. / Enter serial steps of 1 or more. / Remove the empty serial step.	Correct the entry. The overall factor can be up to 10⁹.
Qualitative agreement and near-cutoff	Enter a category or exclude this row with a reason. / “x” is not a declared label. Use one of: negative, positive, equivocal, invalid, indeterminate.	Use the labels set on Set up.
	Enter the sample concentration or exclude this row with a reason. / On the log10 scale, enter a concentration above zero.	Enter a concentration above zero.
Detection limits	Enter the role: blank (analyte-free material) or low (low-level material). / Role “x” is unknown. Enter blank or low.	Use role `blank` or `low`.
	Choose the rank-below censoring policy to use this censored result, or correct or exclude the row.	See Limit of blank: the rank-below option.
	Enter the assigned concentration of this low-level material. / Enter a positive assigned concentration.	Give each low-level material its assigned concentration, above zero.
Carryover	Enter the run or sequence ID. / Enter the position as a whole number, such as 3. / Position 3 is used by 2 rows in run R1. Each position holds one result. / Enter the role as high or low (H or L).	Give each row in a run a different whole-number position and a role of `high` or `low`.
Interference	Enter the aliquot role: base (neat specimen), control (vehicle-matched, no interferent) or test (with interferent).	Use roles `base`, `control` and `test`.
	Enter the interferent concentration of this test aliquot, above 0. / A test aliquot needs an interferent concentration above 0. Aliquots without interferent are control or base.	Enter a concentration above 0 on test aliquots.
	Control and base aliquots have no added interferent. Leave the concentration empty or enter 0.	Clear the concentration on control and base aliquots.
Stability	Enter the elapsed time in h. Baseline rows use 0. / “x” is not a number. Enter the elapsed time without its unit. / Elapsed time is before the baseline time (0 h).	Enter elapsed time as a plain number in the study's time unit, with `0` for baseline.
	Enter the storage or handling condition. Only baseline rows may leave it blank. / Add condition x in Set up, or correct the name.	Every other row needs a condition declared on Set up.

Saving the study#

A red banner appears when a save fails, including the save before importing or calculating. Save a copy of my edits keeps your unsaved edits as a file.

Message	What to do
Check the marked input values. …	A typed value is too long or out of range. Fix the marked values and save again.
Change the number format? opens	Confirm with Change number format. See Changing the convention after rows exist.
… saved data version 5 while this page had data version 4 open. Nothing was overwritten.	Someone else, or another of your tabs, saved first. Reload the study and try again. See Someone else saved the study.
The study design can’t change after data are entered or calculated. Create a new study instead.	The type can't change once the study has rows or calculations.
Saved results can’t be deleted. Exclude them with a reason instead.	Exclude the row. You can remove only empty rows.
This study is limited to 2,000 rows.	Split the data across studies.