sdrf:design

Analyze SDRF files to detect experimental design flaws and generate MSstats contrast suggestions.

11|9|Updated Mar 18, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/bigbio/sdrf-skills --skill sdrf-design
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: sdrf:design
Source: https://github.com/bigbio/sdrf-skills/tree/main/skills/sdrf-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/bigbio/sdrf-skills --skill sdrf-design

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

The skill helps users assess the experimental design captured in an SDRF file, identifying batch effects, confounding variables, and replication issues that can compromise downstream analysis.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Design Summary: Extracts conditions, replicates, instruments, and file counts to produce a concise overview.
  • Confounder Detection: Cross‑tabulates factor values against technical variables (instrument, TMT labels, processing dates) to flag perfect or partial confounds.
  • Replication Assessment: Evaluates biological and technical replicate counts and suggests statistical power.
  • Comparison Guidance: Generates recommended contrast matrices for tools like MSstats.
  • Use Case: A proteomics researcher uploads an SDRF for a breast cancer vs. normal study and receives a detailed design report highlighting any batch‑effect risks and suggested contrasts.

Quick Start

Ask the skill to analyze your SDRF file and provide a design report.

Frequently Asked Questions about sdrf:design

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I detect batch effects and confounders in my proteomics SDRF file?

To detect batch effects and confounders in an SDRF file, cross-tabulate factor values against technical variables like instruments and TMT labels. This analysis flags perfect or partial confounds, evaluating condition balance before statistical analysis.

How do I generate MSstats contrast matrices from an SDRF experimental design?

Generating MSstats contrast matrices from an SDRF design involves extracting conditions and replicates to produce comparison guidance. The analysis suggests appropriate contrasts based on the evaluated biological groupings captured in the SDRF.

What is SDRF experimental design analysis and when do I need it?

SDRF experimental design analysis evaluates proteomics datasets for condition balance, instrument usage, and sample grouping. You need it before statistical analysis to identify inadequate replication and technical confounders that compromise downstream results.

Can I assess biological replication adequacy using an SDRF file?

You can assess biological replication adequacy using an SDRF file by evaluating biological and technical replicate counts within the experimental design. This replication assessment evaluates sample grouping and suggests statistical power for the study.

Do I need external dependencies to analyze SDRF files for design flaws?

Analyzing SDRF files for design flaws requires no external dependencies. The analysis processes the SDRF content directly to generate a structured summary, confounder flags, and contrast suggestions without needing additional software libraries.