unit 2 assignment 1 (D3)
D3- Discuss the advantages gained by keeping data and records on a
laboratory management information system.
● Laboratory information managements systems (LIMS) are used to manage
information and data in scientific and commercial laboratories. LIM systems are
sophisticated software packages that serve a wide variety of purposes, including
operations management, data/records management, quality control, compliance, and
information sharing among a lab's many stakeholders, including technicians,
operators, scientists, clients, and compliance specialists. The system can be used to
store text and graphical data that is then used by the system to produce investigation
results.
● The image below shows a common conception of a LIMS as the interface between
an organization and a lab. This basic framework shows samples as an input by the
organization; these samples are then analysed by the lab, which collects data and
outputs it back to the organization as useful information.
The introduction of a LIMS system into a laboratory provides benefits to all aspects of the
business, not just to the laboratory itself but also to the customers of the laboratory whether
they be internal or external customers.
The pressures on a laboratory to improve performance in terms of sample turnaround and
the quality of the data being reported are becoming more intense and a well implemented
LIMS system can assist in these areas.
Here are some of the key benefits that a LIMS system can give:
● Improved Sample Management: Samples logged into the LIMS are give a unique
number and barcoded, all actions performed against the samples are recorded with
details of the person performing the action and the time when the action was
performed. This increase in traceability aids with regulatory compliance, improves the
capacity of the lab, and improves turnaround times.
● Capture of data directly from laboratory instruments: This feature of a LIMS gives you