Laboratory Data Management and Excel Training

The Laboratory Data Management and Excel Training hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) was a four-day virtual training held in September 2024. The videos include lectures on laboratory data management, accessioning, data privacy, confidentiality, and biosecurity as well as topics on Microsoft Exc​​​el including data cleaning, formulas and functions, and tables and graphs.

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Module 1: Laboratory Data Management
Description

This video highlights the characteristics and purpose of Laboratory Data Management. The course explains the phases of data life cycle in the context of laboratory workflow and benefits of software solutions for laboratory data management or Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

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Module 2: Data Organization and Cleaning in Excel
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This video highlights the importance of organizing and cleaning data in Excel. It covers various methods for identifying and correcting errors, as well as the tools available through Excel that can help automate these tasks and save time.

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Module 3: Formulas and Functions in Excel
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This video explores the various formulas and functions in Excel that can be used to automate processes and reduce errors in data entry. This video provides examples of the eight most commonly used formulas in Excel.

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Module 4: Accessioning
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This video describes the steps to accessioning and good accessioning practices. It covers best practices for adequate data management throughout the sample lifecycle. 

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Module 5: Tables and Graphs in Excel
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This video introduces participants to tables and graphs in Excel. It explains what a PivotTable is and how it can be utilized to summarize data. It also covers the three most commonly used charts and graphs, describing how to use each one to visualize data.

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Module 6: Data Security and Privacy
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This video highlights the importance of data security and privacy in laboratory data management. It includes the importance of data protection and how to ensure patient confidentiality throughout the laboratory sample collection and testing life cycle.

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Module 7: Excel exercises
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This video demonstrates how to use the various Excel skills discussed in the training videos. It includes examples of cleaning data, functions and formulas, and making different types of graphs and tables.