Unit 4D Applied Science complete
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Najah Bendriss BTEC Applied Science Chemistry Unit 4D
Unit 4D: Storing and communicating information in a laboratory.
P8: How useful scientific information is obtained from large data sets and the potential
issues and benefits.
Laboratory information systems (LIMS):
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a British pharmaceutical company based in Brentford, London.
Large amounts of information and data are produced throughout working in a science
laboratory such as the GSK. There is a wide range of data stored at the GSK including:
Research data from the laboratory.
Personal data about employees.
Resource/equipment data.
Data about staffing levels.
Customer details.
As it becomes more and more necessary for this type of data to be stored securely, data
management is improving greatly with the arrival of computers that are continuously
upgrading. It is important to correctly store data so that it can be retrieved at a later date. In
the GSK the majority of their data is stored using hard drives or the Cloud. The GSK pays for
secure cloud space to make sure that they do not lose any data. Benefits of using hard drive
or cloud storage include:
There is a lot more space when using computer storage rather than paper storage.
There are lower risks of fires in computer storage than in storing large quantities of
paper.
The data stored on the Cloud can be sorted through and searched at a much faster
rate.
Many site records are easily accessible. This means that copies of paper records do
not need to be produced and distributed to other sites. This results in time saving
and reducing risks of loss. Access is only granted to employees with the correct login
details, this increases security.
Updates can be performed much quicker and with less possibility of technicians
using outdated sourced of information.
With the GSK using computers to store and process personal information there is a
possibility that the information can fall into the wrong hands and be misused. Disadvantages
of using the cloud and computers to store data include:
Increased security risks of employees’ or customers’ personal data being shared
around various servers if provider doesn’t offer advanced security tools.
Computers can crash. Several crashes can damage the hard drive leading to loss of
data.
Security issues and limited control.
Incorrect handling: User IDs and password need to be kept private, if someone
outside of the organisation knows or guesses the log in details it can results in loss of
data or muddled information.
1
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Najah Bendriss BTEC Applied Science Chemistry Unit 4D
Internet connection: To access private data files there needs to be a consistent
connection to the internet. Even though data may be safely stored online if there is
no internet it cannot be accessed.
At the GSK records of laboratory notes are also kept in paper form. For example, when
chemicals are delivered to a GSK lab they are booked in and labelled clearly according to
COSSH guidelines. All chemical substances in the lab are on record and are signed out of
storage when they are being used so employees are always sure of their location. Records of
where the chemicals have been delivered from also must be kept in case of an issue with
the sample or if the same sample is needed, these records are essential. A different
identification number is given to each chemical sample. This may be according to date and
time of arrival and may include a random number at the end. To enable traceability of a
sample the number is always recorded when the sample is in use.
Results only need to be distributed to people who need them. Results produced on a daily
basis at the GSK are usually reported using the laboratory notebooks, printouts from the
laboratory apparatus and staff meetings. Some results can be viewed and shared on a
computer e.g. scanning test results. Records of apparatus used during lab work are also kept
and stored on a computer.
Scientific terminology is always used and understood by all GSK employees. This is essential
for clear communication to take place. As the GSK is a multinational pharmaceutical
company it is important to use the correct terminology so there is no confusion between
languages and so the client can understand the report. Format is also tailored to the client’s
needs; this could mean a computer-produced report or verbal presentation which allows
the client to ask questions.
P7: How scientific information in a GSK laboratory is recorded and processed to meet the
needs of the customer and to ensure traceability.
Below is a table of types of data stored at the GSK.
Type of data Description of Reason to keep Who has access
information data to the data
COSHH records Health and safety To establish GSK technicians
procedures. awareness of and employees
Incident logs. health and safety involved in
Noise logs. issues with supplying,
substances used in storing and use
the lab. of the
substances.
Customer details Contact details. To ensure Marketing team.
Order history. customers can
easily be reached
and identified. To
enable customers
to keep a record of
2
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assignment
written by
najbo123
www.stuvia.com
Downloaded by: najbo123 | Want to earn £756
Distribution of this document is illegal extra per year?
, Stuvia.co.uk - The Marketplace for Revision Notes & Study Guides
Najah Bendriss BTEC Applied Science Chemistry Unit 4D
Unit 4D: Storing and communicating information in a laboratory.
P8: How useful scientific information is obtained from large data sets and the potential
issues and benefits.
Laboratory information systems (LIMS):
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a British pharmaceutical company based in Brentford, London.
Large amounts of information and data are produced throughout working in a science
laboratory such as the GSK. There is a wide range of data stored at the GSK including:
Research data from the laboratory.
Personal data about employees.
Resource/equipment data.
Data about staffing levels.
Customer details.
As it becomes more and more necessary for this type of data to be stored securely, data
management is improving greatly with the arrival of computers that are continuously
upgrading. It is important to correctly store data so that it can be retrieved at a later date. In
the GSK the majority of their data is stored using hard drives or the Cloud. The GSK pays for
secure cloud space to make sure that they do not lose any data. Benefits of using hard drive
or cloud storage include:
There is a lot more space when using computer storage rather than paper storage.
There are lower risks of fires in computer storage than in storing large quantities of
paper.
The data stored on the Cloud can be sorted through and searched at a much faster
rate.
Many site records are easily accessible. This means that copies of paper records do
not need to be produced and distributed to other sites. This results in time saving
and reducing risks of loss. Access is only granted to employees with the correct login
details, this increases security.
Updates can be performed much quicker and with less possibility of technicians
using outdated sourced of information.
With the GSK using computers to store and process personal information there is a
possibility that the information can fall into the wrong hands and be misused. Disadvantages
of using the cloud and computers to store data include:
Increased security risks of employees’ or customers’ personal data being shared
around various servers if provider doesn’t offer advanced security tools.
Computers can crash. Several crashes can damage the hard drive leading to loss of
data.
Security issues and limited control.
Incorrect handling: User IDs and password need to be kept private, if someone
outside of the organisation knows or guesses the log in details it can results in loss of
data or muddled information.
1
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Distribution of this document is illegal extra per year?
, Stuvia.co.uk - The Marketplace for Revision Notes & Study Guides
Najah Bendriss BTEC Applied Science Chemistry Unit 4D
Internet connection: To access private data files there needs to be a consistent
connection to the internet. Even though data may be safely stored online if there is
no internet it cannot be accessed.
At the GSK records of laboratory notes are also kept in paper form. For example, when
chemicals are delivered to a GSK lab they are booked in and labelled clearly according to
COSSH guidelines. All chemical substances in the lab are on record and are signed out of
storage when they are being used so employees are always sure of their location. Records of
where the chemicals have been delivered from also must be kept in case of an issue with
the sample or if the same sample is needed, these records are essential. A different
identification number is given to each chemical sample. This may be according to date and
time of arrival and may include a random number at the end. To enable traceability of a
sample the number is always recorded when the sample is in use.
Results only need to be distributed to people who need them. Results produced on a daily
basis at the GSK are usually reported using the laboratory notebooks, printouts from the
laboratory apparatus and staff meetings. Some results can be viewed and shared on a
computer e.g. scanning test results. Records of apparatus used during lab work are also kept
and stored on a computer.
Scientific terminology is always used and understood by all GSK employees. This is essential
for clear communication to take place. As the GSK is a multinational pharmaceutical
company it is important to use the correct terminology so there is no confusion between
languages and so the client can understand the report. Format is also tailored to the client’s
needs; this could mean a computer-produced report or verbal presentation which allows
the client to ask questions.
P7: How scientific information in a GSK laboratory is recorded and processed to meet the
needs of the customer and to ensure traceability.
Below is a table of types of data stored at the GSK.
Type of data Description of Reason to keep Who has access
information data to the data
COSHH records Health and safety To establish GSK technicians
procedures. awareness of and employees
Incident logs. health and safety involved in
Noise logs. issues with supplying,
substances used in storing and use
the lab. of the
substances.
Customer details Contact details. To ensure Marketing team.
Order history. customers can
easily be reached
and identified. To
enable customers
to keep a record of
2
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