Effective Steps to Manage Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software

Upgrading your clinical laboratory might be the latest enhancement you are implementing in your lab. This upgrade means you are automating the key functions to easily maintain the workflow. To make sure that your systems work in a smooth, harmonized, and safe manner, consider installing a cloud-based Laboratory Information Management system in your Lab. The cloud-based LIMS is no doubt the best choice to make as it has many advantages. A few of these are:

The data stored in the cloud are fully encrypted, hence 100% data safety.
Cost saving as there is no need for server maintenance.
With effective data recovery, any data loss can be reverted.
No manpower is required as everything is stored in the cloud, unlike physical servers.

Below are some simple tips to effectively manage your Cloud-based Laboratory Information Management System:

Implement a Cloud-Based Service Desk:

The most important step to do while implementing a cloud-based LIMS system is to provide a mini web page for clients to find information that caters to the needs of every patient. The internet is the influence king of the virtual world; so most of your patients will visit your website first, before heading over to your lab. Set up a cloud-based service desk and assist your patients just like you would do in your physical laboratory premises.

Make sure the webpage has a live chat facility so your customers can chat about the types of tests they can do and laboratory locations. Providing a live chat facility can help you to follow up in case the customers log out of the page suddenly. Also, features such as patient portals and customer portals empower your customers to download reports through the website making them completely independent.

Ease of Mobility:

Investing in a LIMS mobile app or website is the biggest advantage that Cloud-based servers can provide a laboratory. Since the data is stored at a remote location and is not bound by the constraints of physical hardware on the premises, investing in a mobile version of your laboratory’s website or even an App is a good idea.

You can take patient satisfaction to another level when you offer your patients and potential patients the ease to reach or access their health information on the go. With a virtual service desk in place, going mobile would mean more and better interactions and increased patient satisfaction.

LIMS Software Staff Training:

It’s essential to train laboratory staff to unlock the full power of your LIMS software application. To utilize LIMS software effectively, you can segregate the employees, departments wise, and provide training accordingly. Delegating one person as the head of training in every department can take the responsibility of providing LIMS-related knowledge sharing and periodic training. LIMS software training can include configuration options, storage, and retrieval of data, managing your workflows, and reporting. Staff training in each department is very important for businesses to succeed.

Increase Speed of Operation:

LIMS Software, specifically designed for laboratory information management, plays a pivotal role in optimizing operations. With a focus on pathology lab software, LIMS efficiently monitors various aspects such as Sample monitoring, sample workflow processes, patient visit count, inventory flow, cash flow, consultant performance, and overall business fluctuations over time. Through the analysis of these metrics, LIMS issues performance-based documents and develops standard quality indicators and key performance indicators, providing a comprehensive solution for laboratory management.

Additionally, Cloud-based LIS (Laboratory Information System) enhances the speed of laboratory operations. While technology facilitates remote meetings, Cloud-based LIS goes a step further by enabling access to data from any location, granting the user the necessary access rights. This feature ensures a swift exchange of information, contributing to an overall increase in the speed of laboratory operations. By seamlessly connecting personnel across different locations, the Cloud-based LIS becomes a valuable asset in streamlining workflows and promoting efficiency within the laboratory environment.

Ease up the Implementation Process and Quality Indicators:

The constant check of quality to ensure stability in business is a major requirement for any industry. With clinical laboratory, it is more of a service quality check rather than product one. Hence, quality indicators are of utmost importance to a laboratory.

LIMS Software, specifically designed for laboratory information management, can efficiently monitor various aspects of laboratory operations such as Sample monitoring, sample workflow process, patient visit count, inventory flow, cash flow, consultant performance, and overall business fluctuations over a period. The system analyzes these metrics to issue performance-based documents, and through the utilization of cloud technology, LIMS can develop standard quality indicators and key performance indicators.

By integrating a cloud-based LIMS System into your laboratory functions, you can optimize processes and identify areas for improvement. This innovative solution allows you to identify and understand your business metrics, paving the way for enhanced business optimization through the power of cloud technology. Whether it's managing sample workflows or evaluating consultant performance, the inclusion of LIMS Software, tailored for pathology lab software, brings a comprehensive and efficient approach to managing laboratory operations.

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As labs are updated and become more modern, better methods of data management and record-keeping may be necessary to maintain or improve efficiency. Luckily, there is a means to achieve this: Laboratory Information Management Systems, or LIMS.

With the increase in disease and the growth in the medical diagnosis sector, the number of samples collected is increasing day by day. With the help of Machine interfacing, labs can handle a large volume of samples easily, increasing the efficiency of sample processing and the quality of lab reports.

Types of Machine Interfacing in Laboratory Information Management System(LIMS):

Uni-Directional Instruments:

Overview: Uni-directional instruments operate on a one-way communication system, facilitating the seamless transfer of information from the samples to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). In this setup, results are stored within the LIMS database upon the completion of the test process. Unlike bi-directional instruments, which support two-way communication, uni-directional instruments focus on unidimensional data flow.

Workflow Process: The workflow involves manual sample placement by the technician, who assumes the responsibility of strategically positioning samples for analysis. Additionally, the technician plays a crucial role in determining the specific type of sampling method to be employed. This hands-on approach ensures that the instrument receives accurate and relevant data for subsequent processing.

Result Storage: Upon completion of the test, the results are systematically stored in the LIMS database. This unidirectional flow of information simplifies data management, with the LIMS acting as a centralized repository for comprehensive result storage. This streamlined process contributes to the efficiency of data retrieval and analysis within the laboratory setting.

Technician Involvement: The technician's involvement is pivotal in the uni-directional instrument setup, as they guide the initial placement of samples and make informed decisions about the sampling technique. This level of manual intervention ensures precision and control over the testing process, aligning with the laboratory's specific requirements and protocols.

Uni-directional instruments, by emphasizing one-way communication and manual input from skilled technicians, contribute to a structured and controlled laboratory environment where data accuracy and integrity are paramount.

Bi-directional Instruments:

Advanced Functionality: Bi-directional instruments represent a higher level of sophistication and advancement in laboratory technology. These instruments possess the capability to not only generate output data reports and results but also feature an Application Programming Interface (API). This advanced functionality enables the seamless exchange of data, information, commands, functions, and worklists with the system.

Output Data Reports: One key feature of bi-directional instruments is their ability to generate comprehensive output data reports. These reports provide a detailed analysis of test results and relevant information, offering a comprehensive view of the findings. The generated reports serve as valuable documentation for further analysis and decision-making processes.

Results Generation: Bi-directional instruments excel at producing accurate and timely results. The dual communication capabilities allow for efficient data transfer, ensuring that results are not only generated promptly but also transmitted seamlessly to the designated system or database.

Application Programming Interface (API): A defining feature of bi-directional instruments is the inclusion of an Application Programming Interface (API). This interface facilitates the exchange of data, information, and commands between the instrument and the broader laboratory system. The API functionality enhances interoperability, enabling the instrument to import and export data with ease.

Enhanced Connectivity: Bi-directional instruments contribute to enhanced connectivity within the laboratory ecosystem. The ability to import data, information, commands, functions, and worklists through the API fosters a dynamic and integrated environment. This connectivity streamlines laboratory processes, promoting efficiency and accuracy in data handling.

Our LIMS System sends commands to the sampling unit on the type of sampling to be conducted with the given sample. After the testing is done by the LIMS command, the results are auto-fetched on the LIMS Server. The bi-directional instruments are interfaced with the LIMS system programmatically.

The Need to Interface Instruments with LIMS Software:

There are several reasons why it is beneficiary to interface lab instruments with LIMS Software. Let us look into a few reasons here:

Increase in Productivity by Effective Machine Utilization:

Interfacing your instruments with your LIMS Software is a one-time investment of cost and work with a repetitive increase in lab productivity and effectiveness. Interfacing LIMS Software with your lab instruments removes many complexities like manual entering of data every time or referring data from other instruments to the LIMS. This altogether saves a lot of time and effort when done by a LIMS rather than manually, also avoiding any human errors during data entry.

Utilizing machines effectively can increase productivity drastically. When the task is done manually, very few samples are completely analyzed in the given period, but with MI they can perform many sample processing and that will increase machine utilization and increase revenue.

Increase in Data Quality by Reducing Manual Errors:

The second best reason for interfacing your lab instruments with your LIMS Software is the increase in data quality and integrity. As a human, we are eligible to commit human errors that might not be over-influential over the system as a whole but might still be considered an error. By removing human interference, these errors are avoided thereby guaranteeing better data transfer in the system.

Similarly, transcribing data into the system by people can also lead to common errors affecting the quality of data. Data integrity is considered a very important issue in laboratories. By interfacing your instruments to your LIMS System, you will eliminate this issue.

Saves Time in output generation thereby satisfying the patients:

Machine Interfacing helps to analyze the given samples at a faster rate and generates quality results within a shorter duration of time. After the result processing is done, the report will be generated manually.

With the use of MI, ultimate patient satisfaction can be achieved by generating the results in a quick manner with good quality.

Machine interfacing in laboratories is more of a comfort rather than a negative factor. What might be a one-time investment in your labs can save a lot of time and work when interfaced properly with your systems.

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Laboratory Information Management System is an extensive solution, designed to cater for the needs of the medical testing labs, and facilitates seamless monitoring of the lab’s operations by streamlining the processes.

The demand for medical lab services is high and keeps increasing with time, which makes it critical to ensure efficient and high-quality customer service. A sample management system is required to handle this necessity. An appropriate Sample Tracking system guides a medical examiner in streamlining the sample lifecycle, monitoring and operating the laboratory processes, with its comprehensive overview of the test sample. This ensures that nothing is overlooked, from sample collection to movement, to arriving at the test results, by tracking the entire workflow and recording the status.

MocDoc’s reliable laboratory management software performs the sample tracking task, maintaining quality standards and also helping to improve operational efficiency.

The Sample Lifecycle:

The Sample Lifecycle is an integral part of laboratory operations and encompasses three distinct phases: Pre-Analytical, Analytical and Post-Analytical. Managing the sample lifecycle effectively is essential to ensure accurate results and avoid any leaks or errors due to poor sample management.

● Pre-Analytical phase: The Pre-Analytical phase begins when a test order is placed and the sample is collected. The sample goes through the process of accession, where it is acknowledged or rejected for testing. If the sample is accepted, it is then segregated based on the type of sample and the department

● Analytical phase: The Analytical phase is a step of utmost importance, in the sample lifecycle, where the collected and segregated sample undergoes the ordered test and results are generated. In this phase, the laboratory staff will be responsible for selecting the appropriate test methods, preparing the samples, running the tests and ensuring that the recorded results are accurate, precise and consistent.

● Post-Analytical phase: The Post-Analytical phase is the final and crucial step in the sample lifecycle, where the test results are reviewed and verified for accuracy and completeness by a professional, such as a clinician or a doctor, and any necessary corrections or amendments are made. The final report is then generated and delivered to the patient.

The special features of the MocDoc LIMS Sample Tracking system:

Monitoring a sample’s progress throughout its lifecycle helps the professionals in managing the laboratory processes effectively, by analyzing the duration it spends in each department. This enables labs to maintain a satisfactory TAT consistently and also facilitates identifying the cause of any testing delay.

Sample Recieve Workflow:

The Sample Receive Workflow feature in MocDoc LIMS streamlines the process of receiving samples in a laboratory. Sometimes, the samples collected from the patient in the accession department may not reach the processing unit on time, hence it is important to track the sample's arrival time for maintaining allocation turnaround time. With a simple barcode scan, technicians can efficiently receive and track the sample's arrival time, ensuring that the testing process remains within the allocated turnaround time (TAT). This feature is essential for accurately monitoring the progress of samples and ensuring that the results are produced on time.

Staged Process Workflow:

The testing process carried out for a few samples may involve various stages such as cassette preparation, and specimen staining, before the final test results are obtained. These processes can vary depending on the type of test being conducted. It is crucial to monitor these processes to determine the current status of the sample and the time taken for each stage of processing.

This is accomplished with the "Staged Process Workflow" in MocDoc, which tracks the progress of each test at every process, keeping a record of the sample's journey from preparation to completion. The workflow also provides insights into the time taken for each intermediate stage. Customized workflows can be created for each test, based on its specific requirements.

With the advent of technology, the MocDoc LIMS System has made the process of tracking samples simpler. MocDoc's Sample Tracking module allows you to track the status of the samples throughout their lifecycle, from the time of collection to the time of archival, which in turn helps the labs maintain their brand reputation and service standards

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MocDoc’s Runnr mobile/web application is designed to handle the sample collection for B2B clients seamlessly. Handling a B2B sample movement can present multiple challenges. One challenge is the potential for delays and miscommunication, leading to samples not reaching the main lab on time. This can disrupt testing timelines and delay crucial results. Another is the manual nature of the process, which increases the risk of human errors such as misplaced or mislabeled samples. Additionally, coordinating logistics and ensuring proper documentation can be time-consuming and prone to inefficiencies.

Overall, the lack of a streamlined system for sample movement in the B2B context can result in operational challenges, delays, and errors impacting the efficiency and reliability of laboratory processes.

To overcome this, MocDoc has designed an application that is used by Runnr, the person who is responsible for collecting test samples from the partnered lab and submitting the same at the main lab. This application is used in the pre-analytical phase of the sample lifecycle.

Sample collection for B2B clients - workflow

In the process of handling B2B sample movement between the main and partner labs, several steps are involved. Once a partnered lab requests a test with the main lab, a runnr is assigned by the main lab to facilitate the sample collection and transfer. The partner lab generates a "Test Requisition Form" (TRF) that contains all the necessary details of the requested tests. This form, along with the test sample, is then shared with the assigned runnr.

The TRF serves as a crucial document as it outlines the specific tests to be conducted on the collected samples. The identification of the samples is typically done through barcodes that link them to the associated patients, ensuring accurate tracking and traceability.

The assigned runnr is responsible for ensuring the safe and timely delivery of both the TRF and the test sample to the main lab. Upon receiving the samples, the main lab validates and accepts them, carefully verifying the information provided in the TRF. Subsequently, the main lab proceeds to process the samples for the requested tests, following the established protocols and procedures.

Efficient coordination and communication between the partner and main labs, as well as the diligent execution of the sample transfer process by the runnr, are essential to ensuring the smooth flow of samples and accurate testing outcomes.

Benefits of using the Runnr app to handle B2B sample movement

Using the Runnr app, the personnel designated to handle the sample movement between the partnered and the main lab can perform the process effectively, as it is easy to generate and share the TRF, and also to record progress from time to time. Here are a few benefits of using the Runnr app

● The application enables users to generate and submit the TRF online, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and reducing the likelihood of errors such as missing records.

● Barcodes are generated to uniquely identify test samples in relation to patients, streamlining the handling process and ensuring accurate testing. They facilitate the correlation of samples with the correct patients and requested tests, reducing errors.

● Sample movement is closely monitored as the runnr transfers them between labs, enabling efficient tracking of delays and issues.

● Prior to testing, a meticulous verification process confirms the correct sample. This adds an extra layer of quality control, minimizing errors and mix-ups.

The combined use of barcodes, monitoring, and verification enhances the overall accuracy and efficiency of the testing procedure.

Incorporating a dedicated mobile/web application for B2B sample movement has revolutionized the process, eliminating manual efforts and errors. Seamless generation and submission of TRFs, along with barcode identification, ensure accurate testing and correlation with patients. With real-time monitoring, delays can be promptly addressed.

Embrace the power of technology for efficient and error-free sample handling. Try the Runnr app today and streamline your B2B sample management. Unleash the complete potential of your laboratory with our Mocdoc LIMS Software.

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The rise of new technologies has made the volume of data drastically increasing day by day. The data volume generated globally across clinical research, biobanks, and other relevant testing laboratories are developing at a faster rate. Surviving the vast data volume and influencing it for research or business is stimulative for labs, especially if they don't possess a regulated mechanism to use and process the data.

One of the crucial reasons to invest in the Lab Information Management System (LIMS) is that it is used for organizing the data disregarding what type of industry you belong to. Information availability and rapid data growth have resulted in the extensive evolution of data management. Below are ten vital signs that state why you should invest in a LIMS.

1. Your laboratory holds higher operational costs:

Leading the particular portion of the allotted funds into laboratory personnel for management and data entry operations.

A Lab Information Management System frees human resources from time consuming and unproductive tasks, and therefore, they are considered as the high saver for your data entry and management operations. You will be able to pay-as-you-go on any basis like monthly or yearly if you prefer to go with a cloud-based LIMS. This means that you no need to make any investments towards hardware installations.

2. You hold transcriptional data entry errors and are not able to share information (data silos):

It indicates poor data traceability, problems with connecting data across various data sources & instruments, and data's manual input leading to transcriptional errors.

A Lab Information Management System combines with other data sources and instruments flawlessly and manages the data in the laboratory in an enhanced manner. LIMS automated calculations save time and decrease errors for laboratory personnel. Apart from this, the information can also be retrieved accurately at any time.

3. When there is a risk in your laboratory data:

The sign is when you are not able to grab access to perceptive clinical information, no reliability, not able to follow the regulations based on your industries, making use of paper-based systems and spreadsheets to manage data in your laboratory.

A Lab Information Management System provided enhanced reliability and data security by matching the industry-related standards, namely 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, and more. It also protects perceptive clinical information by hindering user access of unauthorized persons.

4. When your laboratory has an inferior disaster management system:

Insufficiency of a suitable mechanism for data storage and retrieval in the event of theft, fire, or natural calamities.

A Lab Information Management System ensures data continual by copying data to mirror servers, storing data on the primary servers, and also make sure on the timely backups. The information can be managed in case of any theft, fire, or natural disasters.

5. When you don't have real-time data metrics:

The sign indicates when there are no updates to laboratory clients and users on sample processing stages when there are no notifications and alerts for sample expiry or inventory depletion, and when there is no real-time display of metrics of the laboratory in the main dashboard to watch out important problems.

A Lab Information Management System alerts you regarding the inventory depletion or assists in identifying expired samples with the help of alarms, and this makes sure about the timely inventory replenishment. The LIMS also helps you to stay updated on testing or processing samples in your labs by sending application notification or email alerts so that you will be able to know the critical problems instantly.

6. When your laboratory has poor traceability and limited data storage capacity:

The sign is when there are any difficulties in tracing the possible data instantly by searching over different piles of paper data when generating an extensive amount of sample information with the help of paperwork, and when there are too many piles of paper data in the labs, limiting the capacity in the data storage.

A Lab Information Management System assists in managing information electronically and helps to decrease paperwork. You can accurately and instantly trace information with the help of different tools. A cloud-based LIMS protects the data in the cloud, and this data is accessible in real-time and 24/7 available anywhere.

7. When your laboratory is unable to reach the expected productivity:

Delayed Turnaround Times and experimental analysis over industry averages, and influencing human resources for auditing, manual data entry, report generation are the vital signs.

A Lab Information Management System helps labs to plan data management effectively, accelerate operations, and execute different business decisions. It also helps in generating rapid reports and control an audit trail along with time stamp and date.

8. When you have sustainability problems:

When your competitors receive more orders when compared to you and when there are insufficient business agility and responsiveness.

A Lab Information Management System can help in making your laboratory business active amid the complicated global market.

9. When your laboratory lacks collaboration scientifically:

When there requires a high sample turn around time and data duplication for sharing with collaborators and partners.

A Lab Information Management System, particularly in the case of cloud-based, helps in decreasing errors, avoid data duplication, enables accelerated turn around time, and effective collaboration. Apart from this, it also allows us to achieve higher profit, market share, and productivity.

10. When you have no capabilities in customizing for your different data management methods:

Applying new changes to the existing data manually to the older records, and where there is no customizations option available with spreadsheets and paper-based systems.

A Lab Information Management System enables customization as per your requirements and is also considered as the highly configurable solution. Any new changes can be applied instantly on the original records and therefore saves more time.

I hope the above signs let you choose the right LIMS Software. Any other queries and comments on the Lab Information Management System are welcome.

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5 Effective Steps to Manage LIMS

Published By Sanjana

Category LIMS