Laboratory information management functions

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. 

LIMS systems m [LABORATORY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS] (Vol 14) Quality function deployment... 

The architecture of the system is shown in Eigure 38.1. The system provides Electronic Batch Record (EBR) functionality interfaced to a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). 

ASTM E. Standard Guide for Functional requirements of Clinical Laboratory Information Management Systems American Society for Testing and Materials Philadelphia, PA, 1995 1639. 

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. 

The architecture of the MES application is shown in Figure 12.1. The system provides electronic batch record (EBR) functionality interfaced to a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The system is a typical client-server application that has its own main funaions distributed on the LAN. The main functions are as follows ... 

Ever since computers became of a practical size to fit in a spectroscopy laboratory, they have had an ever more intimate relationship with the spectrometers themselves. Spectrometer vendors have applied them to instrument control, data collection, library searching and information management. The information management functions of these systems could be considered a LIMS with a focus limited to a particular type of testing. With the exception of chromatography, these systems are limited in scope and do not interface well with laboratory-wide LIMS. Vendors... 

This expanded view of task automation includes new capabilities in the the traditional area of instrument automation and in the somewhat newer related field of robotics. In addition it includes a number of functions which are not new to the office and business environment but have only recently become readily available in the laboratory. These are tools such as data base management, scientific text processing, and electronic mail and document transfer. One way to improve technical productivity Is by giving the scientist more time to do science. This can be accomplished through improved efficiency In the office, communication, and information retrieval functions which must be performed as well as by allowing science to be done In new and more efficient ways through the use of computers. 

When selecting or developing a LIMS, a laboratory should be clear why the system is needed and what workflow and business functions it must support. Keeping the installation simple in scope, design and, most importantly, user interface will help ensure success. As the laboratory s business changes over time, so must its LIMS. Continued investment in information management must be expected. 

The manager and the secretary must be part of the global plan as well. Information transfer and communication are required not only with other scientists in the laboratory, but with the administration and support functions as well. The manager must bridge between the technical and the business functions. To accomplish this he must... 

The laboratory shall establish, document, implement and maintain a QMS and continually improve its effectiveness. Laboratory processes are managed in a way that ensures the effectiveness of the QMS and the continual improvement of the laboratory operation. The laboratory processes and their sequence and interaction shall be defined and their effective operation shall be considered. Such effectiveness is ensured by the provision of the necessary resomces and information. The effective operation of the laboratory processes is monitored on the basis of the achievement of the planned residts. The output of this monitoring process is the improvement in the overall laboratory function. 

The laboratory should verify and document the proper functioning of the software immediately after any new data acquisition or management systems have been installed. The baseline verification consists of manual calculations to confirm the correctness of all computer calculations. Ongoing verification takes place during laboratory data review process whenever a reviewer replicates one of the results generated by the computer or a manual calculation from a bench sheet. All information used in the calculations (raw data, calibration data, laboratory QC checks, and blank results) is kept on file for the reconstruction of the final result at a later date, should it become necessary. Bench sheets that document sample preparation are also kept on file for the same purpose. 

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