Unit 4D_ Storing & Communicating Information in a Lab
Contents
What is LIMS and why is needed?.........................................................................................................1
What type of information can be stored?..............................................................................................1
What type of reports can be produced?................................................................................................3
What is meant by “a fully integrated LIMS”?.........................................................................................3
What are the advantages of having a “fully integrated LIMS”?.............................................................3
Atom Brewery case study Example........................................................................................................4
Reckitt case study Example....................................................................................................................5
Compare Atom Brewery and Reckitt of use of LIMS..........................................................................6
Types of data stored in a science workplace.........................................................................................7
Bioinformatics and the use of informatics for storage and retrieval of scientific information..............9
Reference:...........................................................................................................................................13
, Unit 4D_ Storing & Communicating Information in a Lab
What is LIMS and why is needed?
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is a computerised system for capturing
and securely storing data. The LIMS is employed
and can be as basic as a spreadsheet that
maintains product batches or as complicated as a
database of company-wide data that can be
maintained, monitored, and used to generate
reports. LIMS is similar to an electronic filing
cabinet. The system enables laboratories to enter
data in a usable format for usage, and they may
customise the system to include information
specific to their organisation. The LIMS can
collect text and graphical documents and use the
information to generate useful information, such
as inquiry findings. It may also be used to maintain excellent laboratory practise by tracking
sample collection, testing, quality assurance, and outgoing findings, among other things. The
system may notify the laboratory of incoming samples so that they can be bar coded and
labels can be generated for efficient, error-free processing. The samples can be entered into
the LIMS using a handheld device. The sample may then be tested with minimum effort on
the part of the technical team. The LIMS may also be used to keep track of stock levels to
ensure that materials or goods do not fall below acceptable levels, preventing the firm from
continuing to operate. Much of the laboratory paperwork can be taken over by the system,
depending on the organisation and how complex the LIMS is. An effective management of
this data means that the products can be checked at each stage of testing to ensure they are
on the highest quality and safe for the customers.
What type of information can be stored?
Laboratory information can be stored through management systems such as computers or
the cloud. The main benefits of using a computer and cloud storage include:
Records can be update quickly, meaning there is less chance of technicians using out
of data information.
The space needed to store, and computer is less than that is needed to store paper
documents for all patients.
Records can be accessed from a number of sites, and from a number of doctors with
the correct log in information.
Computers are less of a fire hazard than a thousand of paper pieces.
Ways that staff can communicate in a scientific field, this includes:
By using company’s internet and emails
Websites to other employees
Customers and regulatory bodies
1
Contents
What is LIMS and why is needed?.........................................................................................................1
What type of information can be stored?..............................................................................................1
What type of reports can be produced?................................................................................................3
What is meant by “a fully integrated LIMS”?.........................................................................................3
What are the advantages of having a “fully integrated LIMS”?.............................................................3
Atom Brewery case study Example........................................................................................................4
Reckitt case study Example....................................................................................................................5
Compare Atom Brewery and Reckitt of use of LIMS..........................................................................6
Types of data stored in a science workplace.........................................................................................7
Bioinformatics and the use of informatics for storage and retrieval of scientific information..............9
Reference:...........................................................................................................................................13
, Unit 4D_ Storing & Communicating Information in a Lab
What is LIMS and why is needed?
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is a computerised system for capturing
and securely storing data. The LIMS is employed
and can be as basic as a spreadsheet that
maintains product batches or as complicated as a
database of company-wide data that can be
maintained, monitored, and used to generate
reports. LIMS is similar to an electronic filing
cabinet. The system enables laboratories to enter
data in a usable format for usage, and they may
customise the system to include information
specific to their organisation. The LIMS can
collect text and graphical documents and use the
information to generate useful information, such
as inquiry findings. It may also be used to maintain excellent laboratory practise by tracking
sample collection, testing, quality assurance, and outgoing findings, among other things. The
system may notify the laboratory of incoming samples so that they can be bar coded and
labels can be generated for efficient, error-free processing. The samples can be entered into
the LIMS using a handheld device. The sample may then be tested with minimum effort on
the part of the technical team. The LIMS may also be used to keep track of stock levels to
ensure that materials or goods do not fall below acceptable levels, preventing the firm from
continuing to operate. Much of the laboratory paperwork can be taken over by the system,
depending on the organisation and how complex the LIMS is. An effective management of
this data means that the products can be checked at each stage of testing to ensure they are
on the highest quality and safe for the customers.
What type of information can be stored?
Laboratory information can be stored through management systems such as computers or
the cloud. The main benefits of using a computer and cloud storage include:
Records can be update quickly, meaning there is less chance of technicians using out
of data information.
The space needed to store, and computer is less than that is needed to store paper
documents for all patients.
Records can be accessed from a number of sites, and from a number of doctors with
the correct log in information.
Computers are less of a fire hazard than a thousand of paper pieces.
Ways that staff can communicate in a scientific field, this includes:
By using company’s internet and emails
Websites to other employees
Customers and regulatory bodies
1
