A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is an information technology system that manages laboratory data, information, and communications within laboratory systems. LIMS is an indispensable laboratory information management system that helps store, retrieve, process, and report data. It also helps in managing the laboratories by automating most laboratory functions. Traditionally, LIMS find their use in academic laboratories to guide research experiments, process samples, and analyze data. LIMS can also provide business intelligence for research, drug discovery, and development applications.
LIMS
You may ask, what is lims. LIMS is an acronym that stands for Laboratory Information Management System. It is a medical laboratory information management system that helps patrons obtain vital analysis results like diagnosis, drug analysis, analysis toxicity, and any other distinguished laboratory investigation through LIMS programming. LIMS plans and executes work processes and automatic tasks and merges correspondence and diverse archives with results and test images.
1. Sample Tracking
The usage of LIMS in most laboratories is the most critical phase of sample tracking. The sample can be anything from a plastic bag to a metal tube or bottle. It may contain powders, suspensions, emulsions, solvents, or reagents. Tracking samples are crucial to ensure reduced contamination between samples and efficient laboratory workflow. The most widely used method for laboratory sample tracking is unique identifier barcode technology.
2. Data Management Module
LIMS is a system that includes a data management module for different types of information and a database. Most systems of information used in laboratories employ LIMS, as it is one of the most convenient and efficient methods of storing and accessing information. The database of a LIMS, along with a powerful search engine, makes all data stored more effectively available to those who access it.
The LIMS data management module is a complete solution that allows the secure storage and retrieval of data by authorized users. This solution provides a scalable framework that will enable your laboratory to manage its expanding needs, whether acquired from new facilities or through mergers and acquisitions.
3. Central Storage
Central Storage is the LIMS system’s brain, where storage and management of data and information take place. Analyzing and storing data is probably one of the essential things any LIMS should do to support good decisions and decision-making processes. Capacity for version control, history tracking, historical trend analysis, and archive management are essential elements that should be part of the central storage system.
The LIMS storage is a central data storage for information about the results from various analyses, providing context and reliability of the results. The users of LIMS can readily access, and the system displays the analysis result data without displaying other intermediate data. Hence, it becomes easy to have access to the most current and relevant analysis data at any time.
4. Document Management
LIMS provides a complete and accurate record of all data generated in labs. With the help of serialization, LIMS allows for the identification of samples and products. Precise identification of documents provides unequivocal lab results and eliminates errors related to misidentification. LIMS can facilitate tracking and managing documents and data which may be digital, allowing for better traceability and security. Document management modules provide information for reference and audit trail purposes.
5. Report Generating and Reporting Module
LIMS program provides report generation, review, approval or rejection, and maintenance features. Additionally, LIMS is the central pivot around which all data management takes place for all reports. The information takes any one of the predefined report templates. The user can customize the format of the report by choosing different columns or changing views.
6. Instrument Management Module
The Instrument Management Module (IMM) is the heart of LIMS. It is a comprehensive, web-enabled functionality that manages all instruments in a laboratory. LIMS Core Components is a professional collection of web services designed to enable users to share and manipulate data. LIMS instruments system can collect, store and use laboratory information as per information technology standards.
IMM allows data viewing, locating, editing, deleting, and reporting. The LIMS instrument management module also includes automatic identification of available instruments in the laboratory.
Conclusion
LIMS is a Laboratory information management system. It comprises a set of complementary software products that automate workflows from sample submission to laboratory result reporting. LIMS provides complete control over the process, ensuring data integrity and traceability. Traditionally LIMS have been confined to Laboratories, but nowadays, they are infiltrating other areas such as the health care, pharmaceuticals, and utility industries.
