AnIML XML Schemas

Welcome to the Analytical Information Markup Language (AnIML).

Overview

AnIML is an ASTM standard XML format designed for representing analytical chemistry data and metadata. It provides a vendor-neutral, open format for storing and exchanging analytical data across different laboratory information systems, instruments, and software applications.

This repository contains the official AnIML schema definitions:

• AnIML Core Schema (animl-core.xsd) - Defines the core structure for AnIML documents
• AnIML Technique Schema (animl-technique.xsd) - Defines technique-specific extensions and blueprints

Key Features

Data Management

• Sample Management: Define and track samples throughout analytical workflows
• Experiment Steps: Document complete experimental procedures and methodologies
• Results Storage: Capture analytical results with full metadata and series data
• Data Integrity: Built-in support for audit trails and features commonly required for regulatory compliance

Security & Compliance

• Audit Trails: Track all changes made to AnIML documents with timestamps and user information
• Digital Signatures: W3C XML-DSIG compliant digital signature support for data authentication
• Traceability: Complete documentation of data lineage and sample derivation

Flexibility

• Technique Definitions: Extensible framework for defining analytical techniques
• Method Blueprints: Standardized templates for analytical methods
• Multi-technique Support: Handle diverse analytical techniques from spectroscopy to chromatography

Schema Components

Core Schema (animl-core.xsd)

The Core Schema defines the fundamental structure of AnIML documents:

• AnIML - Root element for all AnIML documents
• SampleSet - Container for sample definitions
• ExperimentStepSet - Container for experimental procedures and results
• AuditTrailEntrySet - Container for audit trail entries
• SignatureSet - Container for digital signatures

Technique Schema (animl-technique.xsd)

The Technique Schema provides a framework for defining specific analytical techniques:

• Technique - Root element for technique definition documents
• SampleRoleBlueprint - Defines expected sample roles
• MethodBlueprint - Defines method parameters and structure
• ResultBlueprint - Defines expected result structure
• Bibliography - Literature references for the technique

Use Cases

AnIML is widely used in:

• Pharmaceutical laboratories for drug development and quality control
• Chemical analysis laboratories
• Contract research organizations (CROs)
• Regulatory submissions requiring analytical data
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN)
• Analytical instrument data systems

Version

Current schema version: 0.90 (Draft)

Learn More

Visit www.animl.org for additional resources, documentation, and community information.

License & Standards

AnIML is developed and maintained under the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standardization process.