How Lims Systems Can Automate The Laboratory
LIMS, or laboratory information management systems
, is used in nearly every medical laboratory in developed countries. It is a system that aids in the management of databases and information produced in the medical lab. It also acts as a procedural watchdog for government regulations within the laboratory structure.Medical laboratories are constantly being inspected for compliance with local, State, and Governmental recommended laws. This can become a burden to the medical laboratory, and keeping track of procedures and methodologies for the lab can become overwhelming. It can help with this by organizing, cataloguing, and storing information for these important laws and regulations, having them on hand for instant access.
LIMS also is on the forefront of database management. Databases in a medical lab can become enormous, and the management of these huge databases is necessary for their organization and preventing corruption of the files. Databases grow, so it follows that a great LIMS product should also grow with them, keeping them in order for their ever-changing state.
The medical laboratory should also have a system to keep instrumentation up to regulation standards. LIMS product lines can maintain the databases used by the laboratory analyzers and instrumentation. It can also provide support for the management of the interfaces of the machines, keeping data flow from becoming corrupted or stopped.
The management of the LIMS is usually an administrative function, but the laboratory personnel that may have to use the LIMS should be easily trained to do so, in other words, it should be easy to use and uncomplicated for the tasks needed. Training for this software should be provided by the vendor that supports the system, and quality assurance should also be supported.
Easy configuration also has a place in LIMS. There must be an easy user interface for the laboratory management team, and the configuration of the system should be easy and functional. As laboratories grow, and volume becomes greater, instrumentation may change. It is vital that the LIMS product can support various instruments for interface and database control.
Functionality is scrutinized by the purchasing agent involved in the laboratory system. These greproducts should sell themselves by functionality and design, let alone reputation. The information management team should be impressed by the product's method of operation, and if the product makes their job easier. If the information management team is looking for a replacement of their current system, the future system should be an upgrade, not a cheaper choice. Preferred products should be the best alternative to present systems.
The laboratory information management system is a very important part of any laboratory management system. Along with the current product, a QMS, or quality management system, should be in place for quality assurance of not only the laboratory system, but the Laboratory information system as well. This is so important for the medical laboratory that there are LIMS and QMS products installed in nearly every one. Compliance is the key to a successful laboratory. Hospital laboratories also must have a both installed, as they are also susceptible to regulations.
Laboratory information management systems are the integral part of medical laboratory systems. This vital and functional management system aids in the important functions of the medical laboratory.
by: Andrew Long