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What are the criteria to choose the best Laboratory Information System 

Published By Sanjana
 2018081712:24:50
Category LIMS


Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a software-based solution that is used in labs for data management and to process a large number of lab samples to manage laboratory workflow. Evaluating and choosing the right LIMS must be done after analyzing some salient features like cost, interface, the ability of the system to evolve based on your future requirements, etc.

In this blog, we will help you evaluate the best and most cost-effective laboratory information system that will suit your requirements in the best way.
What to Choose Between Online and Offline Model of LIMS?

The offline model of LIMS software is an outdated one. Some disadvantages of using offline LIMS are:

  • Not user-friendly.
  • No mobile app facilities
  • Reports can be generated. But patients have to get the reports directly by visiting the premises.
  • The patient's record is not synchronized with multiple lab locations
  • In case of a server crash, there is no possibility of getting data back. Less data security.
  • Future technology updates are tough to install
  • Maintenance is high.

Offline LIMS has some defects. Due to its unavailability online 24/7, the data collected can be stored only in a desktop, increasing the chances of data loss. The offline LIMS is best suited for small laboratories with only one clinical lab.

Why is the Online Model of LIMS the Best Choice?

The online model of LIMS is based totally on the cloud. Hence the data can be viewed from anywhere in the world if they are updated on the cloud. Monitoring live instrument data with the right tools will allow your company to make faster decisions with accurate information and support the on-time delivery of reports.

A time-consuming, manual process will be transformed into a fast, automated process, where human errors in collecting and processing information will be reduced to zero, allowing the company to concentrate its resources on its core functions and attain higher productivity and efficiency in its work.

Some benefits of online LIMS are:

    • Low Maintenance cost.
    • Instrument data storage for auditing purposes.
    • An interface that works with any Database or LIMS.
    • Get future updates as notifications
    • Secure environment
    • Track updates with the mobile app

Choosing The Right LIMS For You

Choosing the right Laboratory Information system depends purely on the requirement of the lab and the processes involved in it. You have to know the exact way in which the user data has to be logged in and the ways of analysis. This way you can easily find the exact LIMs software that would suit your requirements the best. Some of the requirements of a laboratory include:

    • Functional requirements
    • IT requirements
    • Interface requirements
    • Data management requirements
    • Error handling

It is best advised to have business flow diagrams that will clarify the workflow, requirements, and processes in the lab. This business flow diagram will help in considering the instruments and systems involved in the lab that need to be interfaced with the software for harmonized workflow.

Understanding the Functionality Requirements

Understanding the requirements of your laboratory systems cannot be explained enough as the utmost important feature for choosing the right type of LIMS. A LIMS software used for the mining of oil and gas cannot be used completely for clinical purposes. Before investing in LIMS software from any vendor, it is vital to check that the software completely fulfills the needs of the laboratory. This includes the process of sample collection and data entry to the process of report generation and saving of reports. The functional requirements should be clearly listed and cross-checked regularly even after implementation in the system.

Some of the functional requirements that need to be checked in a LIMS are:

    • Laboratory Test Processing.
    • Test scheduling.
    • Sample Tracking.
    • Instrument control.
    • Report generation.
    • Quality control and Quality assurance.
    • Statistical analysis.
    • Resource management.
    • Laboratory Safety and Accident Prevention Techniques.

Once the use cases that include the kind of user type, sample logging method, and result publishing are quantified, your functional requirements will get a lot clearer paving you for the best suitable LIMS purchase.

LIMS Future Upgrades

Choosing LIMS after a thorough analysis of your current needs is the best way of making an apt choice. However, the future of laboratory management might evolve with the changing technologies and more convenient workflow. Keeping that in mind, choose software from a vendor that is best suited for both your current needs and all your future needs.

Seeking advice on the improvement of the system might be too late when the implementation of LIMS software has already taken place. Jot down your requirements clearly and analyze the same with your team of experts who can justify the need for improvement based on futuristic updates.

When businesses want to add more locations, tie up with B2Bs, add a home collection module, NABL policy changes, the LIMS software should be able to upgrade and adopt it.

This will ensure that your business is on speed with the technology involved and can easily benefit from it in terms of productivity and workflow management.


LIMS Mobile Applications

Using LIS is the best method for the automation of Laboratory technologies. This implies that the process of computing sample analyses must be done faster, and more efficiently and there is easy workflow management with mobile apps.

Types of LIMS mobile apps:

  • Home Collection App
  • Runner App
  • Laboratory Owner App
  • B2B App
  • Patient App

LIS helps pathologists approve data from anywhere in the most efficient system and can be extremely useful to labs and doctors alike. This saves a lot of time on the workflow. Automation of doctor approval in a mobile app can help LIS make more decisions quickly.

These were some basic points that might help you choose the best-suited LIS for your laboratory. Choose cost-effective software for your lab, but don’t miss on the quality or vendor credibility while choosing the right LIS for your laboratory.

24/7 Support System

When you choose LIMS software, make sure you are provided with 24/7 support facilities. When you face any issues with the LIMS software, you can contact the support professionals anytime and from anywhere and get the issues resolved quickly.

Data Security in LIMS

Security of data is the most basic need for any kind of industry; especially one involving the data and reports of patients. Implementation of a LIMS is specifically done to make the process easier and more secure, safeguarding the patient information from misuse. This has to be done while improving the knowledge level in the organization about the system by sharing the lab information accessible across various departments globally in the organization.

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Keeping up with the fast-evolving world of trends means that smart work with innovation is required. Having a smart infrastructure built on informatics solutions can benefit the lab by implementing automation. Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a critical part of the system to be incorporated in all functioning laboratories for better results. The LIMS of today has gone far beyond just sample management invoking functions like resource management, workflow management, and many more. By adhering to the National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL) standards, labs can manage NABL quality indicators easily.

Quality control in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software:


Quality control in LIMS Software is the process of assurance of quality at every stage included in the automation system. It may also be called a statistical process used to evaluate the analytics produced in the patient’s results. The sampling of the product is continued after every successful stage until the end of the sample management process. Quality control is essential in LIMS used in clinical laboratories as the result cannot be tampered with. Quality control is done on three major factors in a clinical lab, which are:

  • Quality control on the sample
  • Quality control of the utilized equipment
  • Quality control for the process

For quality control of the sample, the result might either be quantitative or qualitative. This means that the result can either be a number count (hemoglobin count in the blood) or can define if the test result is positive or negative or can be limited to a few different values alone.

Quality control checks on the equipment or instrument are used to validate whether the instrument is operating within pre-defined specifications, inferring that patient test results are reliable. Once this validation is completed, the result of the patient can be used for further diagnosis.

Sample management:


Sample management is the primary process of a LIMS system. Any QC lab needs to analyze many kinds of samples depending on the industry of the laboratory. Our QC laboratory helps in the analyses of samples in a unique and distinct method. We have the following salient features for sample management:

  • Single-sample management and multi-sample management by using templated management techniques.
  • Sample recognition field that can easily identify the sample and log in the details, minimizing manual data entry.
  • Barcoded labels for sample tracking.
  • Implemented workflow automation features for reduced confusion and increased productivity.

Preparation and Method Execution:


  • We have predefined execution methods for sample tracking, analysis of tracking response, complaint reception, reducing the dead time, and overall increasing the efficiency of our system.
  • Special features for execution such as content uniformity, dissolution, stability, etc.
  • Strict preparation and method execution policies like standardization, tracking of reagents, control of the environment, trainees, and equipment analysis.

Report Management:


We understand the importance of report generation and sensitivity in handling the report data. Hence we have assembled the following features for report management:

  • Instant visualization of any abnormal notifications.
  • Configurable testing methodologies and calculation techniques for managing high variant products.
  • Multiple level approvals with comment entries for sensitive results.

Specialized Reporting:


  • Flexible facilities that are fully configurable to the product and customer level including layout, content, units, significant digits, etc.
  • Bi-directional integration with SAP-QM or SAP Batches for finished product testing. Interfaces to other ERP/MES systems are available.
  • Streamlined delivery of event notifications and results to end-users via e-mail, fax, etc.

Decision Support:


The documents like SOP, analytical, maintenance, etc. are version-controlled for ISO standard compliance.

Features:


As important as quality control is in laboratories, so is analyzing the proper features best suited for every laboratory and making use of them appropriately. Some important Quality control features are as follows:

  • Latest and updated versions of specifications are available on request.
  • Multi-level product specification management is made with controlled releases.
  • Sample management, sample storage, and reserve management are all done with accuracy.
  • Sample planning with the batch-wise process and test plan management is done.
  • Templated sample management by templating the sample at registration is effectively carried out for sample tracking.
  • Quality control is done at multi-level, multi-departmental, and multi-premises.
  • Workflow management with work schedule according to work plan for analysts and instruments alike.
  • Accuracy in result capture and OOT management.
  • Quality control on instruments by instrument calibration and regular maintenance scheduled at different time intervals with a proper update on status lock for instruments.
  • Training on the new releases and sample management for every instrument is carried out for every lab personnel
  • Any deviations from the original workflow are promptly recorded and validated.
  • Stability in the study module is maintained.

LIMS System quality control process allows managing the data of products, samples, and instruments alike regularly by monitoring at various levels. This ensures that quality can be monitored and, if necessary, actions to improve quality.

Using LIMS for Quality Control...

Keeping up with the fast-evolving world of trends .....  Read more

                                            

An Introduction to LIMS Software:

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is software that is used in labs for data management and to process a large number of lab samples to manage laboratory workflow. With LIMS, the lab can automate workflows, integrate instruments, and manage samples and associated information. Additionally, labs can produce valid results quickly and can track data across experiments to improve efficiency.

LIMS that are commonly used in clinical labs fall under the following categories:


The benefits of using LIMS Software in your lab are:

  • Workflow automation
  • Integrate instruments or other in-lab systems
  • Centralize access and storage of data
  • Track data from sequencing runs
  • Initiate downstream data analysis

The Efficiency of LIMS System:

The main purpose of using the LIMS System in a lab is to improve the efficiency of sample processing and management. Using LIMS would cut down on the need for manual tasks thereby increasing the accuracy of sample analysis. LIMS captures data automatically, gets processed, and is stored for future reference. The LIMs vendor you choose will define the proceeding process of the software.

Generally, the process of a LIMS is divided into five stages:

  • The sample is logged in after reception.
  • Assignment, scheduling, and tracking of the sample and the analytical workload.
  • Processing and quality control associated with the sample.
  • Storage of data associated with the sample analysis.
  • Inspection, approval, and compilation of the sample data for report generation and further analysis.

Types of LIS Modules Used In Clinical Laboratory:

The features of Laboratory Information System (LIS) have seen evolutionary growth over the years from sample tracking to enterprise resource planning for clinical and specialty laboratories.

A typical workflow pattern of a LIS in a clinical lab flows through three phases:

  • Pre-analytical: Specimen collection.
  • Analytical: testing of the specimens.
  • Post-analytical: Result review.

The LIS modules are used by various laboratory departments like:

  • Blood Bank
  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical chemistry
  • Histopathology

Various Common Functionalities Used In LIMS:

With the progress in technology, the functions of a LIMS progress too. LIMS software is built in a way to support any upcoming progress while effectively working on a basic set of definite functionalities like the collection of data, tracking of samples, processing, data storage, and report generation.

Some of the core functionalities of LIMS are explained below:

Sample Management:

LIMS was created to help in the process of sample management systems occurring in laboratories. This system gets initiated when a sample is received in a laboratory and gets registered in a LIMS. Since a large number of samples are collected and analyzed in a day, it would be difficult to record the samples without the chance of being confused with other analyses. With LIMS, It would be easier to track the sample if it is labeled and assigned correctly by using RFID on the samples or barcodes.

The information collected and stored via a LIMS would fall under the following criteria:

  • Details about the person whose sample is taken.
  • Details of the doctor/clinic who recommended an analysis.
  • The tests/analysis needed to be taken on the sample.
  • Stages of the sample and destination.
  • Storing procedures.
  • Expected report generation date.
  • Record creation for future purposes.

Workflow Management:

The need for workflow management using a LIMS is as important as Sample management and record-holding. The accuracy of a working system does not just depend on the data; it needs an on-point process assessment where a LIMS system can be used. As the name indicates, workflow management helps automate workflows and assign work if delegated precisely in the software.

All you would have to do for better workflow management using LIMS is:

  • Enter proper codes to direct the LIMS system for a work assignment.
  • Configure the process flow of the work for sample analysis.
  • Assign exact instruments for the particular work.

Workflow management using a LIMS saves time and conducts the job with precision.

EMR/EHR Software:

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) / Electronic Health Record (EHR) is software that collects and stores information on the patient’s medical history in the form of records that can be shared via different healthcare mediums. Many LIMS have this EMR/EHR Software functionality built-in in their system. Using a LIMS with an EHR function will be a huge asset to your lab as the real-time data exchange can be made possible easily.

What is laboratory information...

           .....  Read more



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.

Why Machine Interfacing in LIM...

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Every modern industry laboratories are under intense pressure to enhance operational efficiency and to decrease costs, while at the same time controlling regulatory compliance and improves quality. 

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is adopted across various verticals to meet the challenges. The on-premises system fails most of the time to offer the flexibility which is required to stay competitive in today's economic environment; therefore, an on-premise system is not agile, connected, or responsive. 


Advantages of the cloud-based LIMS:

Integration, upgrades & implementation of the on-premise system indicate that the in-house  IT workers have less time to work on improved innovation systems & this can also be a time-consuming process. There are plenty of advantages for your organization in case you move to a SaaS LIMS. 

Rapid LIMS implementation: 

You need not invest your time to set up servers or install the software. Most of the works are done already if you are using the SaaS LIMS. Apart from that, your lab can run on the unique LIMS quickly and also help your lab to be up.  

Scalability:  

Online-based LIMS are best for enterprises with inconsistent user requirements. With SaaS, it's simple to balance your works either up or down, based on what is happening on your business, and it's enough to spend money on what you make use. New features, services, and a user can be added anywhere by just with the click of the button. The skill that SaaS offers can provide organizations using cloud computing a straight edge over the competitors.  

Accessibility and Collaboration:  

Online based LIMS allows hassle-free, and easy access to your data anytime and anywhere from different locations, multiple branches, and various systems with a secure login ID. This accelerates enhances collaboration within laboratories in organizations globally. Apart from that, the ability to access workflows and data from where you hold an online connection.  

Cloud services are providing mobile applications, and there are no restrictions for specific devices to establish the system.  

Levels the playing field:  

An online-based LIMS System enables every type of small business to possess the ability to provide the organization-level features and functionalities on a pay as you reach the top. This results in, the small business running a LIMS can be more agile and nimble when compared to the large companies which are still making use of the on-premise legacy system.  

Decreased costs: 

By using the SaaS LIMS, there is no license cost, just a minimal installation fee, and no need for any databanks or in-house servers, no IT maintenance costs for software or hardware. You can only pay as your subscription you need to choose, and you can pay for the functionalities you need. The funds can be used to invest in essential businesses as there is no higher expense based on the Saas LIMS, and this can fuel the creations that are required to keep your company competitive.  

Automatic Software Updates:  

When you are using SaaS LIMS, the service providers take responsibility for security or software updates and patches to keep the system up-to-date. This indicates you get enough effort and time from your IT department, enabling them to put efforts over other initiatives of the laboratories that add business value.  

Disaster Recovery and Backup services:  

Any business needs a perfect disaster recovery plan, and the recovery solutions & the cloud-based backup solutions which come along with the SaaS LIMS are offered without the requirements for a more significant investment, making this vital protection of data services enabling every business in the verticals.  


Why is cloud-based LIMS the best option for your laboratory? 

When a SaaS LIMS provides the prospects for essential advantages, it is not the right option for any laboratory. One harmful functionality of SaaS LIMS is that it is tedious to modify the system based on the company's supported design options. Executing a SaaS LIMS in a more prominent company that already possesses a higher developing on-premise function.  

Below are some of the factors that need to be considered when you choose to work with a SaaS LIMS provider.

Security:  

You rely on the company to secure your sensitive data when it moves to the cloud and when you work with SaaS LIMS. Most of the providers in the cloud perform an excellent job of offering a secure environment for your information, which are the highest vulnerabilities that are probably related to human nature.  

Validation:  

The vital responsibility for regulatory compliance always is based on the manufacturers. Few providers lease an online-based LIMS focus on a prevalence system, and this refers to the system of the cloud provider. Apart from this, the providers of SaaS LIMS handle any software patches and upgrades to make sure that you run the most crucial system version.  

Integration:  

You need to make sure that your SaaS LIMS has the scope to validate the informatics systems and LIMS instruments.  

Service level agreement:  

It's essential to create an SLA with your vendors that addresses any concerned areas and more. One of the best SLA can make the variations between the rollout of your SaaS time & cost and smooth execution along with the unexpected expenses made down the road.  

Hosting options:  

Some of the vendors provide a private cloud option that is facilitated within the facility. The opportunity offers different advantages of SaaS LIMS but with controlled and decreased security risks. A cloud can be single-tenant, multi-tenant, private, or public. A single-tenant cloud is simpler to less prone and validated to intrusion or data leakage.  

Data integrity and audit trails:

An audit trail is vital to address various concerns of data integrities, both from product quality and regulatory perspectives. You also need to ensure that your LIMS online-based SaaS has a detailed and reliable audit trail for any data, and also make sure it's controlled on two different servers when compared to the data.  

Simplifying certain things can add complications to the business processes when you move to the cloud. The decision to distribute SaaS LIMS will be presented by a mix of regulatory, operational, and security concerns that are unique to any laboratory. Working with the best online-based LIMS consultant is an excellent way to make sure that your enterprises require the best value from laboratory information management to new SaaS approaches.

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