What LIMS Stands For | Benefits and Uses

What Is A LIMS System?

Referred to as a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or Laboratory Management System (LMS), it is a software solution that is used to support vital components of modern laboratory procedures. It is used in various higher learning institutions, research institutions, and other business organizations to improve accurate data management, enabling researchers to interpret data faster.

It is usually used in the Research and Development (R&D) department in organizations to manage research, develop products, and test results. To put it simply, LIMS is a database that is used to monitor, regulate, organize, and consolidate all the data and procedures involved in lab operations.

A Brief History Of LIMS

The first generation LIMS was launched in 1982 and was a single central computer that allowed labs to use automated reporting tools for the first time.

The second generation began in 1988 and made use of relational databases to make LIMS more application-specific. The third generation started in the early 90s as computing became more powerful. This new generation used clever client/server architecture to achieve better data processing.

Fast forward to the early 2010s and modern Laboratory Information Management Systems had developed more capabilities that improved its functionality. Examples of improvements include electronic laboratory notebook (ELN), clinical functionality, and cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) distribution models.

How does it work?

LIMS enables researchers and lab technicians to record vital information regarding the samples that they are handling. Some of this information includes:

• Time and date
• Batch number
• Inspection Number
• Additional data

LIMS systems store all these different types of data securely, safely, and with easy access. The most common LIMS software generate unique barcodes for each sample entered into the system. These barcodes can be scanned later by other researchers as more information is needed or acquired.

Every staff member can scan the same barcode which ensures that the data stays updated, and the process is progressing as planned. LIMS works to keep all data secure, schedule updates, track tests, and forward results to other systems in the organization. It eliminates the need for manual data recording which is prone to human error thus increasing accuracy and reducing time wasted on administrative tasks.

LIMS is frequently combined with other software solutions such as an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) database system to plan and administer experiments as an electronic lab journal. An ELN manages raw experiment data, recipes, and syntheses. It has dialogue forms used to input data in customizable tables or forms and can also be used to record images and reaction equations.

What Are The Advantages Of A LIMS?

The main advantages of having a LIMS include:

1. Lab procedures can be standardized to ensure processes are always followed as required
2. It supports regulatory compliance by providing a thorough audit trail
3. It reduces the risk of human error associated with manual data entry since data can be validated
4. It simplifies data entry
5. It improves the quality of the results through inbuilt quality control checks
6. It ensures that data integrity is maintained by using controlled access
7. Sample tracking and sample management can be done throughout the process
8. Information is centralized and easily accessible to team members
9. It improves workflow management in the laboratory

Which LIMS should you use?

It is vital to pick the right LIMS solution in order to achieve your desired goals. These are some of the best LIMS vendors:

• CoreLIMS. It was started in 2017 and is owned by Core Informatics which is a subsidiary of ThermoFisher. It has an exceptional, modern design, and has successfully developed an active app marketplace.
• eLABInventory. This LIMS solutions software was created by Bio-ITech BV. It has both an LIMS and an ELN system. There is no installation required to operate this system and it has a browser-based interface that makes it convenient to use.
• STARLIMS. Developed by Abbott Informatics, this system provides accurate outputs and data inventory management. It can also be used in logistics management.
• BioVIA LIMS. This PIM software is unique compared to others because it is more suitable for use in biomanufacturing rather than clinical studies.
• LabCollector. This software solution was created by a French company known as AgileBio, it is affordable and has an easy-to-use browser interface. It can be used in campus lab sequences for genetic research.

The success of any research or pharmaceutical organization relies heavily on the efficiency of its lab procedures, quality control, and regulatory compliance. LIMS automates data management work which improves productivity, ensures regulatory compliance, and streamlines communication between the clinical lab and other departments in the organization.