1. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
Good Clinical Laboratory Practice
(GCLP)
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2. What is LIMS ?
Computerized information management system designed for laboratories
Manages lab data from sample log-in to reporting
Interfaces with analytical instruments
Sorts and organizes data into various report formats
Stores data for future reference and use
LIMS is an abbreviation for Laboratory Information Management System, which is a computer based solution providing, streamlined workflow automation and management in the laboratory.
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3. Rationale for LIMS ההגיון בניהול המידע
Hardware, Software, People, Procedures and Data
One fundamental aim if LIMS is the integration of many different sub-processes, bringing together and consolidating the efforts of potentially many individuals and consequently speeding up the whole process.
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4. Role of LIMS To manage: Data Work flow
Changing business needs/processes
Existing systems and improving where required
Resources
QA/QC
The system can embrace the way you work, single sample, batch samples and manual or automated methods, producing reports for internal or external customer use. Management of resources is a key feature, planning work allocation against availability and for auto analysers around calibration and maintenance schedules.
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5. Why have a LIMS ?
Improve data management in lab to increase lab potential
Enable centralization of information
Support and enhance processes of the lab
Take advantage of new lab information technology
Provide easy access to data
By using a LIMS, your laboratory can automate workflows, integrate instruments, and manage samples and associated information. Labs using LIMS boost their level of professionalism and their ability to meet customer demand in two ways:
LIMS helps labs produce accurate, reproducible results faster and more reliably
LIMS makes data from sequencing runs easier to store, track, and assess over time and across experiments so that labs can evaluate and improve operational efficiency
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6. משימות המערכת Functions of LIMS
Track specimens from receipt, processing, testing, reporting to storage
Electronically capture results from lab diagnostic equipment and store with specimen details
Protocols and algorithms for testing and final result determination (Weekly & Monthly reviews)
Sample receipt/Sample login: LIMS is used to assign a job and generate the labels for all samples. Sample login completes the information by logging in all critical sample information, including the tests to be performed. Sample login is capable of capturing all information, including very lengthy client sample identifiers.
Sample scheduling: LIMS is used to handle all sample scheduling and prioritization. This assures that all samples, including emergency and rush samples, receive the appropriate attention by all areas of the lab. This includes such important issues as turnaround and hold times.
Data acquisition: All analytical data collected from automated instruments is sent to LIMS electronically, not entered by hand. This avoids the inevitable transcription errors that can result from hand entering large amounts of data. This includes all organics, metals and even certain general chemistry tests. The only data entered by hand are tests that are completely manual and do not lend themselves to this type of automation.
Data processing/data approval: All data (regardless of how they enter the system) follow a tightly controlled “assembly line” of calculations, automated checks and approval steps. Both analyst and supervisor must review the data.
QC data processing: All applicable quality control data (spikes, duplicates, blanks, etc.) are entered and processed exactly like live samples, but with the addition of QC calculations and automatic QC limit checking against predefined limits. This QC data is automatically “linked” to all applicable samples. .
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7. Advantages of LIMS Use יתרונות
Fewer transcription errors & faster processing with direct instrument uploads
Real time control of data quality with built in QC criteria
Direct report generation meeting specific client requirements
Direct electronic reporting to clients or direct client access to data
It is easy to trend data, every one can know exactly where a sample is and what has been done, sharing data is easier, historical data is easily accessible, storing and locating samples is easier and on and on
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8. Examples
KIDMS
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10. Reports
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11. Information available on LIMS
Project, samples, tests documentation
Sample tracking history within the Lab
Reporting results (hardcopy, electronic file)
Financial information by test, client, dates
Information on Productivity
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12. Benefits of LIMS It improves the efficiency hence productivity.
Improve data quality (all instrument are integrated).
Saves time because the information is obtained at the snap of the button
Improve level of data access for all managers of any project.
Automated customer reports (Work Load)
There are a number of benefits a LIMS brings to the laboratory environment, most notably; increased productivity and improved data quality, both of which drive reduced operating costs whilst freeing up valuable human resources from routine tasks.
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