Laboratory Information Management System Flashcards
A software system that facilitates the management of samples,
test results, and associated data to improve lab productivity and
effectiveness.
Laboratory Information Management System
-is the core functionality of a LIMS
-provides accurate records of each sample, from the moment it is received in the lab and throughout the life cycle.
Sample Management
LIMS stores all important information about the sample such as:
-Expiration date
-Storage
-Names of the researchers
-Source
-Also enables to track the location of a sample
is a functionality that provides increased integration
with lab instruments. The LIMS can insert control files into a particular instrument and direct its functioning.
Instrumentation Integration
It is in control of LIMS procedure, SOP`s, and methods used in
the laboratory.
Procedure Execution
enhances work in laboratories by facilitating configuration and process of archiving
Data Management
is to enhance efficiency in lab operations through reducing manual responsibilities by providing single platform for various laboratory activities ,which enables all relevant information to be safely stored in one place, supporting a paperless laboratory approach.
The Purpose of a LIMS
LIMS
Laboratory Information Management System
has been used to reference systems installed in industry settings in facilities such as pharmaceutical research laboratories or other industrial laboratories.
LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)
focuses on a patient rather than on a sample .Historically, has been used in clinical conditions to store and manage patient’s data and their test results. usually stores patients’ demographic information and record of clinical diagnosis.
LIS (Laboratory Information System)
is not specifically connected to laboratories. applies to a wider scope and is used to support and guide the development of high-tech manufacturing technologies
Process Development Execution System
is a common LIMS feature required for regulated laboratories but can be used for any laboratory.
Audit Management
Hand written labels can be fully replaced by barcodes. Reducing the risk of illegible information on the label and minimizing the risk of human mistakes, barcodes offer many advantages to laboratory technicians handling the samples.
Barcode Handling
In highly regulated laboratories, tracking is an important part of their operations. It is especially important in forensic labs ; in evidence collection, retention, and procedure of disposal.
Chain of Custody (COC)
can be used in laboratories in a variety of different industries to manage and analyze data on samples, tests, test results and many more. Many of these industries are subject to
strict restrictions and so are the laboratories within them.
Compliance
stores and handles demographic information about the clients. Moreover, it streamlines and facilitates communication with associated clients.
Customer Relationship Management
Typical LIMS document management system includes the functionalities to upload and index documents of almost any file type and size, provide text search, convert and export to relevant
formats such as PDF or add documents as attachment in the system.
Document Management
offers the functionality to schedule important maintenance actions and calibrations of lab instruments. Likewise LIMS stores detailed records of such activities and allows lab technicians to
constantly monitor the technical condition of lab instruments.
Instrument Calibration and Maintenance
Lab managers can measure , record and control inventories as well as manage laboratory efficiently with the help of LIMS
Inventory and Equipment Management
provides fast and dependable interfaces that allow for seamless implementation of data by a lab technician or electronic component. With this functionality ,the process of data entry is
facilitated and adjusted to the needs and preferences of a specific lab.
Manual and Electronic Data Entry
is one place where all laboratory processes and procedures and methodology are managed. It unifies and arranges all the procedures performed in the laboratory.
Method Management
work as a natural extension of how work was planned and managed before its implementation. It also ensures the possibility to schedule task and events consequently streamlining the process of workload management.
Personnel and Workload Management
Apart from organizing work schedules and storing employees information, LIMS offer an opportunity to schedule and plan trainings for lab technicians.
Training Management
runs efficiently quality checks of samples or products, depending on the type of lab. It also automates the logging of samples or products and extracts management information quickly,
assuring full control over processes.
Quality Assurance and Control
allows lab technicians to create and schedule reports. They can be prepared in a specific required format to meet laboratories needs and regulations.
Reports
ability to track the amount of time an employee spends at work in general that can be useful for payroll purposes.
Time Tracking
There are 4 main advantages of LIMS in a laboratory
1.Productivity
2.Automation
3.Connectivity
4.Cost-cutting
With due automation of numerous processes, scientists are less burdened with responsibilities. LIMS minimizes the need for manual steps to a bare minimum , at the same time reducing the
probability of human error.
Workflow Management
laboratory managers are supported in ensuring sample trace ability, from receipt to their disposal by simplified sample tracking.
Sample Management
-offers fully compliant data management systems, as well as a high degree of data integrity
-eliminates manual transcriptions , making lab technician work
easier. They can also benefit from the centralization of data, as well as back ups.
Scientific Data Management
allows free and seamless cooperation and communication between different lab employees enabling data to flow freely between roles within the organization. With LIMS latency is minimized, and necessary data is available immediately.
Collaboration
By enabling access to critical data, LIMS facilitates process of review and evaluation for executives and lab managers.
Data Visualization
Who uses LIMS?
1.Food Industry
2.Diagnostic and Healthcare
3.Pharmacy and Biotechnology
4.Criminology
5.Environmental Protection
6.Industrial Production
Keyboard-heavy tasks include the likes of large-scale data inputs of alpha numerical values . The skills required to undertake these responsibilities is significant.
Sample Registration and Analysis
-Compliance should be achieved through automatic verification , allowing your organization to perform independent assessments of samples and test results
-Any effective LIMS should carry out reporting and data exports into a centralized repository of quality control-approved data. The cloud-based destination should provide universal access to any authorized stakeholders.
Reporting and Invoicing
Any organization seeking the best LIMS system for small labs, or types of LIMS, must evaluate the above qualities and the relative resource requirements in maintaining a manual process.
Complete ROI
is important to get to know the opinion and hardships of the whole team especially the scientist ; ask them questions. Their requirements and observations are essential to developing the best possible solutions.
Enagage end user
it is advisable to define your workflows. You can do it by mapping your labs workflows. You can get visuals; draw your process maps and SIPOCs ( suppliers, inputs, process, outputs
and customer) including decision points and parallel process.
Define your workflows
Use your process map(s) to choose the right vendor. Presenting your process maps can save a lot of time and costs by making conversations around your perfect LIMS clearer.
Select the vendor
In order to design the best possible LIMS, your vendor of choice will hold frequent meetings to develop a deep understanding of your labs needs. You may ask many question to your chosen vendor and engage lab technician.
Design your LIMS
