Laboratory information management laboratories

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. 

The International Standards Organization 9000 (ISO 9000) standard, developed by the European Economic Community (EEC), also impacts manufacturers implementation of LIMS systems. ISO 9000 is a set of standards which are required for manufacturers selling products to the EEC. The 9000 standards are credited with playing an important part in the impetus to greater computerization of laboratory information management (9). 

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. 

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. 

Data systems, more broadly known as Laboratory Information Management Systems, are in almost universal use in laboratories, allowing the collection of mass data required by parallel and high-throughput analytical... 

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) have been developed exclusively for practical application, viz, the organization and control of working course and information flow in the laboratory (Nilsen [1996]). LIMS comprises ... 

Economic Considerations of Laboratory Information Management Systems... 

Dessy, Raymond E. [ed], Laboratory Information Management Systems Part I Analytical Chemistry. Vol. 55, No. 1, JAN 1983... 

Reber, S., "Laboratory Information Management Systems" American Laboratory. FEB 1983... 

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