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LIMS - Laboratory Information Management Systems

What is a LIMS?

LIMS is a generic name for a type of computer systems that handle data for a laboratory. There are many LIMS vendors, and their systems are different. A lab should create a and select the system with the best functionality according to their own needs.

LIMS is based on a relational database with many tables, and a lot of programming to make the database run, update and be used properly. Implementing the system is a large job, because the system shall be built to reflect how your lab works.

Generally a LIMS has two major parts:

  • Static data is a set of templates for how a specific sample type shall be handled in the system

  • Dynamic data is using the templates to create data for each batch of the samples from the sample's static data

The static data

Static data includes, but is not limited to:

  • Sample types (raw material, intermediates, bulk, final products; identification, expiration dates, other information

  • Analytical methods (input values, calculation formulas and calculated values, each with measure units and link to analytical instruments and reagents as appropriate)

  • Instruments (identification, connection, calibration)

  • Reagents (preparation, concentration, identification, expiration dates)

  • Specifications (several internal and external sets for each sample type, covering some or all of the measurements in some or all of the analytical methods)

  • Stability Studies (stability storage data, times for analysis, with links to sample types, analytical methods, specifications, etc.)

Dynamic data

Because the static data is identified for each sample type, the system knows how a given sample shall be handled. The workflow of a sample in the system includes:

  • Logging the sample

  • Entering results manually and/or from instruments

  • Approving the sample on various levels

  • Printing reports

Build versus buy a LIMS

The only sensible thing to do is to buy the LIMS. A commercial LIMS has hundreds of man-working years built into the system, and there is no way any chemistry or pharmaceutical company can match the functionality in their home-made LIMS. More details on this issue can be found in the references below.


Want to know more?

Websites: www.limsource.com has a lot of information, and links to vendors.

Discussion group for LIMS: lims@taratec.com

Publications:

Segalstad: LIMS: M is for Management, Process Information Technology, June 2000 54-56.

Segalstad: Laboratory Information Management Systems - LIMS, 5000 words in Marcel Dekker's Online encyclopedia, Marcel Dekker Publisher, Contracted paper, Submitted February 2004.


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Sub menu Articles and Information: 

21 CFR Part 11

Standards and regulations

Validation Plan

Qualifications

LIMS

User Requirements Specification URS

System selection

Vendor audits

IT project organization

Live system organization 

 



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