Using Advanced Search

Find films and measurements using powerful search and filter tools

In This Tutorial

Advanced Search Overview

Advanced Search is a powerful tool for finding films, measurements, and batches across your organization. It combines keyword search with comprehensive filtering to pinpoint exactly what you're looking for.

Why Use Advanced Search?
  • Quick Retrieval: Find items in seconds instead of manually browsing
  • Complex Queries: Combine multiple criteria for precise results
  • Cross-Entity Search: Search films, measurements, and batches simultaneously
  • Historical Lookup: Find measurements from specific time periods
  • Quality Audits: Verify data completion and accuracy
  • Trend Analysis: Identify patterns in measurement data
Search Scope

Advanced Search can search across:

  • Films: By ID, batch, box, status, purpose
  • Measurements: By date, film, equipment, purpose, values
  • Batches: By LOT number, manufacturer, expiration status
  • Boxes: By identifier, location, film count

Screenshot: Advanced search interface with query builder

Accessing Advanced Search

You can access Advanced Search from multiple locations in the application.

Access Points
How to Access:
  1. From Dashboard: Click "Advanced Search" in quick actions
  2. From Navigation: Click search icon in top navigation bar
  3. From Measurements: Click "Advanced Search" in Measurements menu
  4. Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl+K (Cmd+K on Mac) to open search
Search Interface

The search interface consists of:

  • Search Bar: Main input field for keywords and phrases
  • Entity Type Checkboxes: Select what types to search (films, measurements, etc.)
  • Filter Panel: Refine by specific criteria
  • Results Area: Organized display of matching items

Screenshot: Advanced search page layout

Search Query Builder

The search bar uses intelligent query building to understand your requests.

Basic Text Search

Simply type what you're looking for:

  • Film ID: "FILM-2024-001"
  • Batch LOT: "2024-A12345-EBT3"
  • Box ID: "BOX-FREEZER-01"
  • Keywords: "QA measurement" or "treatment verification"
Auto-Suggest

As you type, the system suggests matching items:

  • Recent items you've viewed
  • Items matching your keyword
  • Saved searches (if Premium)
  • Click a suggestion to go directly to that item
Search Syntax

Use these operators for advanced queries:

  • Quotes: "exact phrase" - Match exact wording
  • Minus: -word - Exclude results containing this word
  • Wildcards: FILM* - Match words starting with pattern
  • OR: item1 OR item2 - Search for either term

Screenshot: Search suggestions appearing as user types

Filter Options

Use filters to narrow your search results to exactly what you need.

Entity Type Filters

Select which types of items to include in search results:

  • Films - Individual film sheets
  • Measurements - Measurement records
  • Batches - Film batches/LOTs
  • Boxes - Storage boxes
Date Range Filter

Find items created or measured within a specific timeframe:

  • Select start and end dates
  • Quick options: "Today", "This Week", "This Month", "Last 3 Months"
  • Custom date range for specific periods
Status and Purpose Filters

For measurements and films:

  • Status: Available, Used, Archived, Damaged, Disposed
  • Purpose: QA, Patient Treatment, Calibration, Research
Equipment and Batch Filters
  • Measurements from specific scanner/equipment
  • Films from specific batches or manufacturers
  • Items in specific storage locations

Screenshot: Filter panel with all available options

Pro Tip: Combine Filters

The most powerful searches combine keyword matching with multiple filters. For example: search "EBT3", filter by "QA" purpose, "Last Month" dates, and "Accelerator" equipment.

Search Results

Results are organized by entity type and relevance for easy navigation.

Results Organization

Results display in grouped sections:

  • Films: Matching films with batch and box information
  • Measurements: Matching measurements with dates and purposes
  • Batches: Matching batches with expiration status
  • Boxes: Matching boxes with capacity information
Result Cards

Each result shows:

  • Item identifier and name
  • Relevant metadata (date, status, batch, etc.)
  • Quick action button (View Details)
  • Relevance score (how well it matches your search)
Result Actions
Available Actions:
  • Click result to view detail page
  • Quick preview on hover (if enabled)
  • Pin to save important results
  • Share result via link (some items)
  • Export result (Premium)

Screenshot: Search results grouped by entity type

Saving Searches (Premium)

Premium users can save frequently-used search queries for quick access.

Creating Saved Searches
Steps:
  1. Perform a search with your desired criteria
  2. Click "Save This Search" button
  3. Enter a name for the saved search
  4. Optionally add a description
  5. Click "Save"
  6. Search appears in "Saved Searches" list
Using Saved Searches
  • View all saved searches in left panel
  • Click saved search to instantly run it
  • Results update with current data
  • Modify filters and save as new search if needed
Managing Saved Searches
  • Edit saved search name or description
  • Delete old searches you no longer need
  • Pin favorite searches to top of list
  • Share saved searches with team (Enterprise)
Common Saved Searches

Examples: "Weekly QA Measurements", "All EBT3 Films Available", "Patient Treatment Last Month", "Equipment Validation Checks"

Tips and Common Queries

Master advanced search with these useful examples and best practices.

Common Search Patterns
Find All QA Measurements This Month

Search: "QA measurement"

Filters: Purpose = QA, Date = This Month

Locate Available EBT3 Films

Search: "EBT3"

Filters: Entity = Films, Status = Available

Find Measurements Not Yet Analyzed

Search: "no notes" OR "pending"

Filters: Entity = Measurements

Track Films by Batch Expiration

Search: "2024" (batch year)

Filters: Entity = Batches, Status = Expiring Soon

Search Best Practices
  • Be Specific: "FILM-2024-001" finds one item; "FILM-2024" finds many
  • Use Exact Phrases: "quality assurance" vs quality assurance gives different results
  • Combine Filters: Text search + date filters + status = precise results
  • Save Frequent Searches: Don't re-enter the same criteria (Premium)
  • Review Metadata: Read batch info and film status in results

Screenshot: Example saved searches and query suggestions

Summary

Advanced Search is a powerful tool for finding films, measurements, and batches quickly. Use keyword search combined with filters for precise results. Save frequently-used searches (Premium) for instant access. Master common search patterns to improve your workflow efficiency and data management capabilities.