Laboratory information management automation

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. 

Computers were first used in laboratories to calculate results and generate reports, often from an individual instrument. As automated analysers were developed, so the level of computerization increased and computers now play a major role in the modem laboratory. They are associated with both the analytical and organizational aspects and the term Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is often used to describe this overall function. Such systems are available that link the various operations associated with the production of a validated test result, from the receipt of the sample to the electronic transmission of the report to the initiator of the request, who may be at a site removed from the laboratory. Other uses include stock control, human resource management and budgets. 

On completion of an analysis, the results are checked and vahdated by the analyst and compared with preset Hmits based on permitted concentration values or consented values, before being sent electronically to the database. Any result which breaches a particular Hmit can be repeated for confirmation. About 80% of the work is fully automated in this way, with most of the major items of equipment being interfaced to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). 

Centralized laboratories offer several advantages. First, and perhaps most obviously, centrahzed operations can afford greater capital investment in state-of-the-art automation systems, top-level employees, and the most sophisticated equipment. While upgrading a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) on a regular basis may not be cost-effective for a small QA laboratory, it will be a practical annual expense for a company offering QA lab services to a number of clients. 

In all automated analytical laboratories a laboratory information management system (LIMS) will be used and this has two key roles [B-12]. 

Godolphin W, Bodker K. Automation and simulation of central processing in clinical laboratories Chemo-metrics and intelligent laboratory systems. Laboratory Information Management 1993 21 181-8. 

The tasks of the analyst and the manager of the laboratory, as outlined in Figure 1, are redefined with the incorporation of expert systems into the laboratory procedures. Initially, the tasks which are to be performed by the expert system will be rudimentary and repetitive. Nonetheless, the manual performance of these tasks still requires the judgement and expertise of an analytical chemist or a skilled technician. An array of expert system modules can be incorporated into the normal functions of a fully automated laboratory information management system (a LIMS). The LIMS software would then be able to perform the following operations. 

There are several levels of automation in the refineries. These embrace not only the vital process control system, but also the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and the general company data processing. These are distinguishing features of the refinery systems concept. In this way, the central databank incorporates relevant updated production data, information from LIMS and other refinery internal data systems to serve the overall management needs. 

RGURE 33-1 Steps in the analyticat process showing possible automation methods. LiMS = laboratory information management system. 

The quality of an analytical result also depends on the vaUdity of the sample utilized and the method chosen for data analysis. There are articles describiag Sampling and automated sample preparation (see Automated instrumentation) as well as articles emphasizing data treatment (see Chemometrics Computer technology), data iaterpretation (see Databases Imaging technology), and the communication of data within the laboratory or process system (see Expert systems Laboratory information management systems). 

See alsa Blood and Plasma. Chemometrics and Statistics Multivariate Calibration Techniques. Chromatography Overview. Electrophoresis Clinical Applications. Enzymes Enzymes in Physiological Samples Enzyme-Based Assays. Quality Assurance Quality Control Primary Standards Laboratory Information Management Systems. Sample Handling Automated Sample Preparation. 

McDowall RD (1992) Strategic approaches to laboratory automation. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems Laboratory Information Management 17 265-282. 

The sample in this method is a semiliquid and therefore it is easier to automate and to combine both the sample preparation and analysis into one operation. Furthermore, the cost of this system is little more than the additional switching values over the chromatograph needed for a manual method. If the data system is combined with a laboratory information managing system (LIMS) virtually the whole of the analytical method can be automated. 

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