Laboratory information management system
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A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a software system used in laboratories for the management of samples, laboratory users, instruments, standards and other laboratory functions such as invoicing, plate management, and workflow automation.
A LIMS, a Laboratory Information System (LIS) and a Process Development Execution System (PDES) perform similar functions. A LIMS will generally target environmental, research or commercial analysis, such as pharmaceutical or petrochemical work, whereas a LIS tends to cover the clinical market (hospitals and other clinical labs). A PDES normally addresses a wider scope: including, for example, virtual manufacturing techniques, while not necessarily integrating with laboratory equipment.
As of 2009[update] the trend is to move the whole process of information gathering, decision making, calculation, review and release into the workplace and away from the office.[citation needed]
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[edit] Technology
[edit] Laboratory Information Management
[edit] Samples management
A LIMS can automate the management of samples. An organization can configure its analytical parameters and calculations into the LIMS before implementing the software in the laboratory. After sample registration, the system can print barcodes which it can scan at the end of the analysis when loading results into the LIMS. The system can check the completed results, automatically validating those which comply with specifications; and reporting (but not validating) out-of-specification results. A LIMS may release or retain lots and batches, according to laboratory's specifications and calculations.
Once results come available for the lab's clients or owners, they can extract them in PDF, XML or spreadsheet files from the LIMS interface. (Note that moving insufficient data to a spreadsheet may lose the traceability of changes).
[edit] Laboratory users
One may configure a LIMS for use by an unlimited number of users. Each user owns an interface, protected by security such as a login and a password. Users may have customized interfaces. A laboratory manager might have full access to all of a LIMS' functions, whereas technicians might have access only to functionality needed for their individual work-tasks.
[edit] Instruments management
A LIMS may automatically extract and save data from suitably equipped instruments. Data owners may access the resulting stored information at any time. A LIMS may incorporate metrology functions which allow it to decrease the error-risk.
[edit] Web-based technology
A LIMS can use many technologies. Web-based LIMS requires no special client-side installation, whereas common LIMS may require implementation on laboratory server, increasing its purchase cost. Web-based technology may include n-tier architecture. (Multitier) architecture offers a high level of security (HTTPS, secured port) and privacy of laboratory data and users. A LIMS with n-tier architecture becomes endlessly configurable and can incorporate new functionality more quickly than other LIMS - often automatically. Web-based technology offers users the opportunity to see analysis results in real time from any Web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox...) and from any system (Windows, Macintosh, Linux).
Multi-site LIMS systems also exist.
[edit] Administrative management
As of 2009[update] LIMS can manage laboratory sampling, consumables, sampling schedule and financial (invoices). They can communicate with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and exchange data with them, in order to facilitate information exchange and to promote efficient management of all a laboratory's departments.
[edit] Standards covered by Lims
A LIMS covers standards such as:
- 21 CFR Part 11 from the Food and Drug Administration (United States)
- ISO/IEC 17025
- ISO 15189
- Good laboratory practice
[edit] References
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