Laboratory Information Management security

Certificates of analysis are created electronically from the data stored in a laboratory information management system (LIMS). The certificates are signed electronically by the qualified person and may be printed as secured files in portable format. 

Outside the typical scope of these qualifications is the interface with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). In these instances, and where appropriate, archival file systems are established and the appropriate security access parameters are set up. Proper communication with the LIMS is verified. Often, a sample with known characteristics is run and the results are compared against those generated by a validated system. 

UC Berkeley and the UC system have experience at the other end of the continuum, with large national laboratories such as Sandia, Lawrence Berkeley, and Los Alamos. One of the things we learned to deal with is how to manage secure and proprietary information—to be sure it is in the interest of national security. But we do not know how to deal with an intermediate situation of the presence of a large multinational corporation in our midst that holds proprietary data with interests beyond those of the university. 

Based on information found in Prudent Practices in the Laboratory Safe Handling and Disposal of Chemical (NAP, 1995), produce materials (booklets, CDs, or other media) that outline basic steps, feasible in developing economies, to improve chemical management best practices, including enhanced safety and security in the use, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. This should include consideration of training and other culture of safety issues. 

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