Information Managment System

A laboratory information management system (LIMS) is a computer or computer network used to automate the acquisition and management of raw analytical data. In its simplest form, it tracks samples and test results through analytical laboratories and provides summaries of the status of these samples and tests. In its most advanced form, the system is interfaced to the laboratory s instmmentation and communication network to allow automation of data gathering, compilation, and reporting. 

R. D. McDowaH, ed., Faboratory Information Management Systems Concepts, Integration andimplementation. Sigma Press, New York, 1987, p. 12. 

Laboratory Information Management System. The QC lab must analy2e raw material, in-process, and finished product samples adhere to cahbration schedules record data and perform statistical analyses. These activities lend themselves to the appHcation of software packages such as a laboratory information management system (LIMS) (qv). An inexpensive LIMS is within the reach of even small laboratories. 

Information management system designed to aid in the creation of MSDSs. Includes packages containing hazardous materials data for compliance with "Right to Know" legislation. 

Environmental Information Management System and Occupational Health Information System... 

Information management system for wastewater treatment facililics. Assists with monitoring compliance, tracking construction projects, producing reports, and generating letters. 

Expect broad variations in style. Many companies (and individual facilities) have both formal and informal management systems. The degree of formality (e.g., documentation, authorization, follow-up) is often a function of the degree of risk associated with the activity the management system is designed to control, as well as of the structure or culture of the organization itself. 

Informal management systems generally work because someone is the champion behind the program. When this individual leaves there is no assurance that the program will continue. Thus, even in informal organizations documentation may be a necessary characteristic of a good management system. 

Fear of Fraud It is illuminating that there are companies that lock the input to a computer system (specifically a so-called LIMS, a Laboratory Information Management System) in such a manner that it takes the supervisor s password and signature to correct a missed keystroke, even if this is noticed before the (Enter) key is pressed. If the unwitnessed use of the (Backspace) key betrays malicious intent to falsify raw data, then every scientist should be in jail. 

Laboratory information management systems, or LIMS represent an integral part of the data management systems used in preclinical development. LIMS... 

In Fig. 42.9 we show the simulation results obtained by Janse [8] for a municipal laboratory for the quality assurance of drinking water. Simulated delays are in good agreement with the real delays in the laboratory. Unfortunately, the development of this simulation model took several man years which is prohibitive for a widespread application. Therefore one needs a simulator (or empty shell) with predefined objects and rules by which a laboratory manager would be capable to develop a specific model of his laboratory. Ideally such a simulator should be linked to or be integrated with the laboratory information management system in order to extract directly the attribute values. 

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