A merge set is the merged dataset of replicates of a Serial Dilution. In a merged set, all data points obtained for all replicates of a certain Ligand are combined into one set fitted with a global fit. The software identifies replicates for a ligand by the following two parameters:

• Replicates have different Dilutionseries IDs (identifying them as individually pipetted replicates).

• Replicates share the same ligand name.

Therefore, it is advisable to always distinguish replicates from each other by Dilutionseries ID and not by assigning them distinct ligand names. To work with merge sets, the "Use Merge Sets" function in DI.Screening Analysis must be activated.

The software then combines all dilution series found with the same ligand name into one merge set and automatically assigns numbers to the individual replicates.

Another way to compare the individual dilution series is to select the individual replicates using “shift”+"select” when merge sets are disabled. As soon as merge sets are enabled, the two replicates are combined in one merge set, which is approximated by a global fit to all data points. The individual replicates are labeled "Replicate 1" and "Replicate 2" in the ligands table, while the merge set name is equivalent to the ligand name.

 This is a DI.Screening Analysis feature applicable to both Spectral Shift and TRIC measurements.

Note:  It is important to note that Quality Checks can strongly depend on the context of how many data points are available. If, for example, replicates are analyzed individually and four wells out of a 12-point dilution series show aggregation, that is much more deterministic for the Ligand Category than four wells showing aggregation in a triplicate dataset with 36 wells. That means that ligand categories or results of certain Quality Checks can differ depending on whether merge sets are enabled or disabled. Therefore, it is strongly advisable to decide at the start of a data analysis process whether merge sets should be used.