Managing Samples — Laboratory Information Management Systems LIMS

7 MANAGING SAMPLES — LABORATORY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (LIMS) 

Laboratories usually have to face a high data flow that needs to be organized. The laboratory industry has responded to this challenge by automating instrumentation. However, the individual instrument software still uses different data formats and software interfaces. To manage laboratory data and to streamline data handling, data management systems have been introduced [6-17]. 

The forerunners to the systems now called Laboratory Information Management Systems first appeared in the late 1960s as in-house software solutions. The intention was to help streamline the data flow from frequently performed laboratory tests and to transcribe the results to a centralized data repository. In the 1970s custom-built systems became available. These early custom systems were one-off solutions designed by independent systems development companies to run in specific laboratories. The complexity of these systems had increased to allow them to facilitate the transfer of large quantities of data in an electronic format from specific laboratory instruments. 

At the same time when customized LIMS implementations were developed by system solution providers, initial efforts were taken to create commercial LIMS products. These extensive research efforts resulted in the first commercial solutions formally introduced in the early 1980s. Such commercial LIMS were proprietary systems, often developed by analytical instrument manufacturers to run on their instruments. These commercial systems were typically developed for a particular industry and still required considerable customization to meet specific laboratories needs. 

Parallel to the rise in commercial LIMS, the processing speed of third-party software capabilities increased and laboratories switched more and more to small workstations and personal computers, and the LIMS environment had to follow this trend. During the 1990s, the term LIMS became universally recognized, and more and more standard solutions from commercial software vendors became available. The systems were refined to combine the individual transfer of laboratory test data into the transfer and consolidation of the results to provide laboratory managers an overall view of the laboratory and a platform to assist them in running the laboratory. 

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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. 

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. 

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. 

These cross-referenced numbers are the key to the electronic relational data bases. Key field data and sample storage data are entered into location and sample number files in QUIZ Software (4). Laboratory analysis information is contained in files generated using Perkin-Elmer Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Chromatographic Laboratory Analysis System (CLAS) software. 

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. 

Procedure or forms for logging in and pulling and tracking samples Validated laboratory information management system (LIMS) Handling... 

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a type of laboratory software that is designed typically to manage sample-oriented data entry and workflows in the quality control area of commercial production laboratories. 

Today in the industry Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are commonly used. When a sample requiring TLC analysis is created in LIMS, the system automatically creates the required links and prints all necessary raw data pages. 

In large proteomics projects, the information on samples used is often recorded as part of a laboratory information management system (LIMS) and constitute the other components of proteomics. A more comprehensive list of technologies used in proteomics is given in chapter 9 by K.K. Jain. 

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. 

Sample containers must be labeled accurately and in such a way that the label does not deteriorate on storage do not use water-soluble marking pen on samples to be put in a freezer, for example. The label should clearly identify the sample and any hazards associated with the sample. Many analytical laboratories have computer-based sample tracking systems that generate adhesive bar-coded labels for samples, exactly like the bar codes used on retail items in stores. These computer-based systems are called Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and catalog and track not only the samples but also the analytical data generated on the samples. 

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. 

Laboratory information management system (LIMS) A computerized database that allows the tracking of samples, their various attributes and their analytical test data. Using appropriate software, the data can be manipulated to facilitate the development process, for example, to predict shelf life. 

See also Biofluids Studied By NMR Calibration and Reference Systems (Regulatory Authorities) Computational Methods and Chemometrics in Near-IR Spectroscopy Fourier Transformation and Sampling Theory Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). 

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