Laboratory Integrated Management Systems

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. 

The computerized systems, both hardware and software, that form part of the GLP study should comply with the requirements of the principles of GLP. This relates to the development, validation, operation and maintenance of the system. Validation means that tests have been carried out to demonstrate that the system is fit for its intended purpose. Like any other validation, this will be the use of objective evidence to confirm that the pre-set requirements for the system have been met. There will be a number of different types of computer system, ranging from personal computers and programmable analytical instruments to a laboratory information management system (LIMS). The extent of validation depends on the impact the system has on product quality, safety and record integrity. A risk-based approach can be used to assess the extent of validation required, focusing effort on critical areas. A computerized analytical system in a QC laboratory requires full validation (equipment qualification) with clear boundaries set on its range of operation because this has a high... 

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are computer software-based integrators for laboratory reports generation. They gather all the information on a particular sample, including history, source, supplier addressing, data reports from all wet and analytical instruments, and conclusions and results drawn from this analysis. They receive information from a variety of inputs, in a variety of formats, and must have inputs for data confirmation and checking. 

McDowall, R.D. (Ed.), Laboratory Information Management Systems, Concepts, Integration, Implementation, Sigma Press, 1987. 

In 1983, I set up my own company P.S. Analytical. A broad range of analytical modules with hardware and software have been designed, developed and manufactured by the company and are sold internationally. The main expertise of P.S. Analytical is to research a problem and to provide, at an economic cost, a fully engineered solution for routine use. The company collaborates with other companies, with universities and with government laboratories. P.S. Analytical has exposed me to different areas of analytical chemistry and has allowed me to tackle many areas of analytical apphcation, for example types. I have been actively involved in all aspects of the automation, especially economics, philosophy and management. P.S. Analytical has flourished and increased its range of products from simple accessories to fully integrated instrumental systems, for example, the Merlin Plus Fluorescence system for the determination of ultra-trace levels of mercury. 

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