1. This teaching material has been made freely available by the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust
(Kilifi, Kenya).
You can freely download, adapt, and distribute this presentation under the conditions
that: the Global Health Laboratories and The Global Health Network are referenced; the
work is not used for commercial purposes, and any altered forms of this document are
distributed freely under the same conditions.
www.GlobalHealthLaboratories.org
3. What is LIMS?
Computerized information management system
designed for laboratories
Manages lab data from sample log-in to reporting
Interfaces with analytical instruments
Sorts and organizes data into various report
formats
Stores data for future reference and use
5. Role of LIMS
To manage
Data
Work flow
Changing business needs/processes
Existing systems and improving where
required
Resources
QA/QC
6. Why have a LIMS?
Improve data management in lab to
increase lab potential
Enable centralization of information
Support and enhance business
processes of the lab
Take advantage of new lab information
technology
Provide easy access to data
7. Functions of LIMS
Track specimens from receipt,
processing, testing, reporting to storage
Electronically capture results from lab
diagnostic equipment and store with
specimen details
Protocols and algorithms for testing and
final result determination
8. Functions of LIMS
Patient focus
Enable determination of patient
outcomes
Integrate patient and specimen
information
Support patient management and
care/treatment
9. LIMS decision
Type of lab
Reference/research/public health
Clinical
Hybrid
Volume of specimens
Types and number of tests
Size of staff/users
Existing system
Determine which areas will be affected
Requirements and expectations
Avoid ‘culture shock’
10. Advantages of LIMS Use
Fewer transcription errors & faster
processing with direct instrument
uploads
Real time control of data quality with built
in QC criteria
Direct report generation meeting specific
client requirements
Direct electronic reporting to clients or
direct client access to data
11. Disadvantages/Concerns
Customization of LIMS/interfaces
required for specific lab/client needs
Adequate validation to ensure data
quality
Data integrity and confidentiality,
especially when clients have direct
access to data
Limited interface between lab & field
computer systems
17. Information available on LIMS
Project, samples, tests documentation
Sample tracking history within the Lab
Reporting results (hardcopy, electronic
file)
Financial information by test, client,
dates
Information on Productivity
18. Benefits of LIMS
It improves the efficiency hence productivity.
Improve data quality (all instrument are
integrated).
Saves time because the information is obtained at
the snap of the button
Improve level of data access for all stakeholders
of any project.
Automated customer reports (TAT, Work Load)