This teaching material on laboratory information management systems (LIMS) can be freely distributed and adapted for non-commercial purposes provided the original sources are referenced. A LIMS is a computerized system that manages laboratory data from sample receipt through result reporting and storage. It interfaces with analytical instruments, organizes data, and stores it for future use. Implementing a LIMS improves data management, enables centralization of information, and supports business processes.

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

2. Laboratory
Information
Management Systems
(LIMS)
Good Clinical Laboratory Practice
KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme

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

4. Rationale for LIMS
hardware, software, people, procedures
and data

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

12. Examples
KIDMS

16. Reports

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)

19. Laboratory Responsibilities
 Evaluate LIMS capabilities
 System validation/maintenance
 Interfacing capabilities
 Confidentiality/data integrity protection
 Regulatory compliance/accreditation.